Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Spurs £30m transfer race hots up as 'agreement' emerges

Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Spurs have been sent an update in the transfer race for talented Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, just a day after reports of an imminent £20 million bid for the player from the Eagles.

The younger brother of Jude Bellingham is being eyed by several Premier League clubs following a breakthrough couple of years at the Stadium of Light. Crystal Palace were said to have 'renewed interest' in the player, who has been a long term target for the club, but Bellingham has also been linked with the Gunners and Spurs.

Football Transfers, via The Sunderland Echo, now reports of a 'gentleman's agreement' in place between Bellingham and the North East outfit, that could play a key role in any transfer negotiations this month. The 19-year-old signed a new contract with Sunderland last summer but it is thought that part of those talks included an agreement to help facilitate an exit from the club to the top flight.

Sunderland hold ‘agreement’ with Jobe Bellingham over transfer

The report states:  “According to sources, Arsenal scouts are closely monitoring Bellingham, who has impressed with his versatility and composure in Sunderland’s midfield.

“It is understood that the Championship club struck a gentleman’s agreement with the England U21 international during his contract negotiations last summer, allowing him to depart for a Premier League club should a suitable offer arise.”

It wouldn't be the first time that Sunderland reached such an agreement with a player. A similar situation was in place for winger Jack Clarke before his eventual departure to Ipswich Town for £15 million last summer.

Sunderland are believed to value Bellingham between £20 and £30 million but a summer departure is preferable for the promotion-chasing Black Cats. However, a sizeable January bid could force their hand.

Crystal Palace have a prolific record of helping stars from the EFL make the transition to the top flight and Bellingham could be the next to follow in the footsteps of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise. The Eagles also made a January move for Blackburn midfielder Adam Wharton last year, who has flourished since his move to London.

Bellingham made the move to Wearside from Birmingham City in 2023. Sunderland paid a reported £3 million for that transfer and Bellingham has gone on to play 70 times for the side, scoring 11 goals.

Bellingham a ‘seasoned pro’ at just 19 years old

Speaking about Bellingham's potential to follow in his brother's footsteps too football stardom, former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray praised his qualities on and off the pitch.

Speaking in October 2023, shortly after having signed the midfielder, the veteran manager told The Northern Echo: “He is very mature for his age. He acts like a seasoned pro, and demands standards, even in small-sided games he wants to win. You can see he has a very focused driven thought pattern on where he is going and how he is going to get there. And that is to try to be excellent in everything you do. It’s a great mentality. It helps our team to have someone so young.

"He is not in the team because of his name. He's in the team because of his football ability and his competitive edge and athleticism and technique. He works hard every day.

"As coaches we want to protect him in three-game weeks so sometimes when he comes off it is to give him a break. We should just enjoy the journey with him and see where he gets to as time rolls on.

"He doesn’t want to be compared with his brother, but we have coaches here who helped his brother as a 17, 18-year-old. They can gauge where he is, and he has some amazing tools. If he listens, works hard and competes like he does he won’t go far wrong. He has confidence and belief and has a good football brain."