Club approaching Sunderland for “natural delight” as Black Cats seek £12m+ fee

The European club have been in contact with Sunderland about the player being described as a “natural fit” for a summer move, according to a new transfer claim.

Sunderland transfer news

There has been plenty of Black Cats-related transfer news to emerge in recent days and weeks, with Jobe Bellingham's future one major talking point. It is reported that he is wanted by Serie A giants, Lazio, but the move has never come close to being completed. Tottenham have also been mentioned as potential suitors, as the youngster looks to emulate his world-famous older brother, Jude Bellingham.

Meanwhile, Caen striker, Alexandre Mendy, has been heavily linked with Sunderland, having beaten Jack Clarke last season. There has even been a bid for his services, as Regis Le Bris look to strengthen their attack ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Championship season.

Meanwhile, former Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Norwood has also emerged as a target for Sunderland in this transfer window, as he left Bramall Lane when his contract expired this summer. It means he's now a free agent, which makes him less likely to play if a move doesn't work out, and he can inject some real nous into the middle of the park.

He is capable of taking on defensive and attacking roles in midfield, and has made a total of 381 appearances in the Championship, highlighting just how experienced he is at this point in his career.

However, after the departure, a new update has emerged regarding the future of Bellingham's Stadium of Light.

In accordance with TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Lazio have linked Sunderland with the signing of Bellingham this summer. They asked for information on a possible deal and now they can push.

The Black Cats are said to want €15m (£12.7m) for the 18-year-old, but he is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League next summer, and is happy to stay at the Stadium of Light for another season.

There is something inevitable about Bellingham leaving Sunderland in the near future, in fact, for the £6,500-a-week attacking midfield ace who looks like an ambitious young footballer already charting his future.

He is a special talent, who can sometimes go under the radar due to the worldwide attention his brother receives, and his teammate Dan Neil said of him: “He makes me look like a 17-year-old. He's a natural, physical freak. I've never seen a 17-year-old like that. Technically, he's a top, top, top player.”

Sunderland will hope that Lazio's recent interest dies down, however, allowing them to retain Bellingham's services for one season before he makes his Premier League debut.

The only chance the Black Cats have of keeping their most prized asset is if they secure promotion to the top flight next season, which should be a huge boost for Le Bris and the rest of his squad.