"Not surprised" - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit tips Sunderland AFC star for Borussia Dortmund amid fresh update | OneFootball

The Black Cats midfielder could be following in his brother's footsteps with a move to Germany

Former Sunderland striker and Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman isn't surprised that Jobe Bellingham continues to be linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light, as interest from Borussia Dortmund intensifies.

The England Under-21 midfielder has been one of many shining lights during an intriguing season up on Wearside, with it looking likely that Regis Le Bris' squad full of exciting prospects and homegrown talent would challenge the likes of Leeds United, Burnley and Sheffield United for automatic promotion before ending the regular season in a dire run of form.

Throughout the infancy of his young career, Jobe has been linked with a plethora of many Premier League sides and fellow top sides across Europe, with many believing the £3m buy from Birmingham City will give the Black Cats a major profit on their initial investment as he moved from St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park nearly two years ago, as well as following in the footsteps of his brother, Jude, who has become a global sensation for both Real Madrid and the Three Lions.

Bellingham has seen his name linked with a move to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in recent times as Sunderland look to stand firm in their valuation, which is said to be in excess of £20m, for the 19-year-old.

However, reports have recently emerged that Borussia Dortmund, who have previous history with the family, have only seen their interest in his services become more concrete amid competition from Bundesliga rivals, RB Leipzig.

Don Goodman "not surprised" as Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham stance becomes clearer

It was revealed earlier this week by Florian Plettenberg that Leipzig, who had become "seriously interested" in the playmaker's services at the end of the March international break, are "pushing hard" to strike a deal for Bellingham alongside Niko Kovac's side, and that only more competition had been added to this compelling transfer battle.

Furthermore, German news publication Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung - relayed by Sport Witness - has since claimed that BVB had previous doubts over whether Jobe could replicate the success his brother enjoyed at the Signal Iduna Park after moving from the West Midlands for approximately £30m five years ago, but will now make a final decision based on the outcome of their season as they battle against 'Die Roten Bullen' and SC Freiburg for a place in the UEFA Champions League, just a year after losing the final to Real Madrid at Wembley.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman, who has watched Bellingham's progression in a red and white shirt on plenty of occasions, isn't surprised that a plethora of top sides across the continent are queuing up for his services.

"I'm not surprised when Jobe Bellingham is linked with any big club, really," the 58-year-old stated.

"I know for Sunderland, as a group, the season has just petered out a little bit and it's been a disappointing end. But, there's still an awful lot to play for. That early-season form through to March was sensational.

"He's had a brilliant season, he's a talented player," Goodman added. "And, if Sunderland don't make it to the Premier League this season or anytime soon, then I would have no doubts that he would be operating at a higher level.

The Sky Sports pundit concluded: "The link is clear between Borussia Dortmund and the Bellingham family. Obviously it's a link that you can see (happening)."

Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid pathway could sway Jobe Bellingham amid transfer interest

In just his third regular season of Championship football, Bellingham has proven exactly why so many clubs are plotting a move, regardless of the pressure which has been on his shoulders to emulate the success of his older brother.

Nothing showcased this more than the midfielder being crowned as the division's Young Player of the Season at the EFL awards on April 27th, and many have tipped the four-time Under-21 international to carry on performing in such a manner if a top-flight move is to occur in the coming transfer window.

Of course, Regis Le Bris and the Black Cats will be desperate to maintain his services, having extended his stay in the North East until 2028 last summer amid strong transfer interest.

The pathway from English football to the continent has yielded success for his family and many other top stars, such as Harry Kane, who won his first ever domestic trophy with Bayern Munich last weekend as the Bavarian side reclaimed the German top-flight title.

Moving to the Rhineland proved to be a stroke of genius for Jude, as his tally of 49 goal contributions in just 132 appearances led to an initial €103m transfer to the Bernabeu, where he has since shone even further alongside renowned icons such as Luka Modrić, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Federico Valverde.

Furthermore, Los Blancos president, Florentino Perez, has 'admitted' to the Real ace that the Spanish giants will sign Jobe at some point. But, whilst it would be a heartwarming story for the Mackems' midfielder to follow such a pathway, it is imperative that he writes his own name into history and that supporters across the globe give him the credit he deserves in his own right.