League One outfit Sunderland are targeting a move for Birmingham City youngster Jobe Bellingham ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.
As per this same report, the 16-year-old and his family were invited to the Stadium of Light last month ahead of this potential transfer, with Alex Neil's side hoping to win promotion at the end of this term and make themselves an even more attractive destination with that.
The Daily Mail believe a move would be all but ruled out if they fail to overcome Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off final later this month, with the teenager starting to break into the first team at St Andrew's.
Making his senior debut in January during the West Midlands side's 1-0 loss against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, he also made a mini-cameo during the following weekend at Preston North End but had to wait until the final game of the season to record more senior minutes.
This half-hour appearance against Blackburn Rovers gave the 16-year-old the chance to impress Lee Bowyer ahead of pre-season, with the midfielder seemingly on the verge of making his breakthrough.
Some would argue he should have been given more opportunities to shine to fend off interest from Borussia Dortmund, who have retained their interest in his services after recruiting older brother Jude in the summer of 2020.
Jobe is unable to sign a professional contract at St Andrew's until his 17th birthday in September, which could mean there's a bitter battle between his current side, Dortmund and the Black Cats for his signature.
How much game time he will receive if he stays put in the West Midlands remains to be seen and although Bowyer has been cautious about using him too much, the 45-year-old isn't guaranteed to be at the Blues next season with his future in doubt.
A new manager could reward him with more game time if he remains loyal to the cause at the second-tier side - and a potential new owner may be willing to hand him a bumper deal to keep him where he is with Birmingham currently subject of a takeover bid.