Two European giants are allegedly viewed as the frontrunners to sign Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
Despite being just 19 years of age, Bellingham has already racked up 101 appearances in the Championship, contributing 11 goals and four assists.
Having initially been handed senior football by Birmingham City, the prospect has established himself as one of the brightest young stars outside of the Premier League.
However, having played a key role in keeping Sunderland in the promotion race this campaign, Jude Bellingham's younger sibling has only enhanced his stock.
As such, a number of high-profile European teams are said to be lurking with the intent of adding the England Under-21 international to their ranks during the summer transfer window.
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Who are favourites to sign Bellingham?
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are at the front of the queue in the race to sign Bellingham later in 2025.
Borussia Dortmund are also said to be well-placed to negotiate a deal, particularly if Sunderland do not earn promotion to the Premier League.
With over three years remaining on his contract, it is plausible that Sunderland shun any offers for Bellingham if they earn a return to the top flight.
Nevertheless, with the Championship playoffs appearing to be the most likely route available to them as it stands, they will expect clubs to circle for Bellingham's signature.
The report adds that Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have also sent scouts to assess the development of Bellingham in recent months.
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What club would be the best fit?
Although Chelsea have placed an emphasis on adding young talent to their roster since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital became co-owners, that is not to say that Bellingham would advance his career at Stamford Bridge.
Barring any surprises, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos will be the four central midfielders at the top of the pecking order in 2025-26.
Bellingham has also seen how Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has struggled to make an impact in West London, despite the apparent advantage of having followed Enzo Maresca to Chelsea from Leicester City.
Meanwhile, change could be on the way at Dortmund given that they only occupy 10th place in the Bundesliga table with nine matches remaining.
At this point, any kind of European qualification will be taken with both hands, yet there is scope for Bellingham to be immediately used on a regular basis if they wish to shake up their squad.
Also in Dortmund's favour is the glowing reference that they will receive from Jude Bellingham, who shined at Westfalenstadion before his eventual transfer to Real Madrid.
Darren Plant
