Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Jude Bellingham’s younger brother and Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham, according to reports.
Real Madrid star Jude is back in England as his side prepare to take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on Saturday.
The midfielder, arguably one of, if not the best player in the world right now, will then link up with the England team as they finalise their plans for Euro 2024.
But his brother may also be in for a busy summer, with several Premier League clubs interested in signing the 18-year-old after an impressive season in the Championship.
Like Jude, Jobe came through Birmingham City’s academy and was tipped for stardom at a very young age, appearing on the Blues’ bench when he was only 15.
He was linked with joining his brother at Borussia Dortmund a few seasons ago but last summer moved to Sunderland, where despite his tender years has already shown much class, scoring seven goals.
While primarily an attacking midfielder, the England youth international can play in a variety of positions.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Palace are in talks over a transfer having made the teenager one of their priority signings this summer, but it’s still an open race, with The Athletic adding that Brentford are also keen.
Both London clubs have had great success with signing young talents from the Championship, especially the Eagles through the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Adam Wharton.
Oliver Glasner’s star players have been tipped to leave Selhurst Park this summer, so perhaps Jobe has been earmarked as a potential long-term replacement for attacking midfielders Eze or Olise.
The latter is attracting lots of admirers, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle.
While comparisons between the Bellingham brothers have naturally been made, Jobe has been keen to forge his own path in football, opting to wear his first name on the back of his shirt.
Nevertheless, in between setting La Liga alight, Jude has kept a close eye on his sibling and attending several of his games this season as the Black Cats finished 16th in the second tier.