Tottenham Hotspur are one of several teams that have sounded out an interest in Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
However, according to The Guardian, the Championship side are determined to retain his services this summer.
Bellingham came through the youth ranks at Birmingham City and featured 26 times for the first team before joining Sunderland last summer for an undisclosed fee.
The 18-year-old notched seven goals and an assist in 45 Championship games, creating four big chances and winning 52% of his ground duels.
Many believe the teenager could become a world beater like his brother Jude Bellingham, who played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League victory over the weekend.
However, Sunderland are not interested in letting the youngster leave the Stadium of Light this summer.
The Black Cats view Bellingham as a pivotal part of their project. He is considered a key part of a squad that is aiming for promotion to the Premier League next term.
Sunderland endured a massively underwhelming 2023/24 campaign, finishing 16th in the Championship, but club owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus wants to see his side challenging for promotion next term.
Bellingham is viewed as a vital part of that ambition, but it is understood that a fee of over £20 million could force Sunderland to sell him this summer.
Spurs should turn their attention to other targets
Whether or not Bellingham becomes a world beater like his brother remains to be seen, but he’s certainly not at the required level to make an impact at a club competing for major honours.
Bellingham doesn’t move the needle for Spurs, and the north Londoners should be looking at more established players, although he is worth keeping an eye on to see how he develops.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are determined to secure a top-four finish next term after missing out on Champions League football by two points.
They need quality additions that would help close the gap on the top four, and Bellingham doesn’t check the necessary boxes yet.
Stats from Sofascore.com