Sunderland agree fee with Birmingham for teenage star Jobe Bellingham

Sunderland look set to start their summer strengthening early after agreeing a fee with Birmingham for midfielder Jobe Bellingham.

The 17-year-old younger brother of Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham was at the Stadium of Light last week to watch their game against Luton, and he appears to have been suitably impressed by what he saw.

Fabrizio Romano reports a £3million fee has now been agreed and the player will travel to Wearside for a medical and to complete the move in the next couple of weeks.

“Understand Sunderland are set to sign Jobe Bellingham, here we go!

“Born in 2005, Jude’s brother says yes to club project as best step — deal has been agreed on £3m fee to Birmingham City.

“Bellingham will travel to Sunderland for medical tests in the next 10 days.”

Understand Sunderland are set to sign Jobe Bellingham, here we go! 🚨⚪️🔴 #SAFC

Born in 2005, Jude’s brother says yes to club project as best step — deal has been agreed on £3m fee to Birmingham City.

Bellingham will travel to Sunderland for medical tests in the next 10 days. pic.twitter.com/VC30dtotNe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2023

Bellingham would represent a significant capture for Sunderland, who appear to have leveraged the presence of Jude’s mentor Mike Dodds to get their man.

First-team coach Dodds is incredibly close to the family after overseeing Jude’s development when he was part of the academy staff at Birmingham.

Sunderland missed out on a place in the play-offs final this season after finishing sixth, but the Black Cats have become a destination club for to young talent in recent times.

They have also been credited with an interest in 20-year-old Chilean starlet Alexander Aravena ahead of what is sure to be a very interesting summer on Wearside.

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