Sunderland in advanced talks to sign Birmingham City midfielder Jobe Bellingham | OneFootball

Sunderland are confident of signing Birmingham City midfielder Jobe Bellingham this summer, reports Sky Sports.

The Black Cats are in advanced talks over a deal for the 17-year-old sensation.

Bellingham was a guest at the Stadium of Light for Sunderland’s Championship play-off game against Luton Town last Saturday.

Their first-team coach Mike Dodds is close to his family, and the club feel he can improve under him.

Their sporting director Kristjaan Speakman also knows Jobe and his brother Jude from his time at Birmingham.

Bellingham has a year left on his contract and will cost Sunderland around £3 million.

The England under-18 starlet featured in 23 games across all competitions this term, starting six times.

The Blues finished 17th in the Championship and Bellingham is ready to move on.

Sunderland missed out on a place in the final of the play-off after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Luton in the semi-final.

They will look to go one better next term and are looking to sign some of Europe’s best young talent and work on their development.

Dodds helped his older brother Jude improve as a player at Birmingham and will look to do so with Jobe.

Jude has gone on to become one of the best youngsters in the world since moving to Borussia Dortmund.

Jobe will look to follow in the footsteps of his brother, and a move to Sunderland could put him on the path towards the right direction.

He has the potential to become one of the best players in the division, and the Black Cats believe he has what it takes to improve their midfield.