"Major interest in Jobe Bellingham" - Two Sunderland AFC transfer predictions made | OneFootball

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit believes they will face offers this January for Bellingham, with investment also needed

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland will have many key decisions to think about in the January transfer window, which could see Jobe Bellingham attract some serious interest and some investment in their pursuit of Premier League football.

Regis Le Bris' Sunderland have been a brilliant outfit to watch this season. The Black Cats' young side has continued to flourish in the Championship this campaign.

Le Bris has seemingly brought a new identity to the club with his ways, incorporating youth and playing free-flowing attacking football.

There are downsides to this though.

Clubs will no doubt be snooping around to sign a few gems from the Sunderland squad, and although he is unlikely to leave in the winter window, Jobe Bellingham could certainly be one that attracts a few others.

"Major interest" - Sunderland stance on Bellingham future

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit, Jack Austwicke, has made his claim on the two things that he could see happening at the Mackems this January.

"I think there will be major interest in Jobe Bellingham. I think we will fend off interest in the midfielder. I don't think we will sell him truthfully at this point in the season.

"I think we'll keep hold of him, but others will be made. I can see Fabrizio Romano or some other journalist tweeting that someone has made a £25 million offer or whatever.

"I do think we'll stand our ground and back off. We'll make it clear now that right now he's not for sale and that's probably my first thing.

"Second thing, cover for left-back. Leo Hjelde, we signed in January, and he hasn't been the most amazing capture. Not necessarily a left-back, but full-back cover in general. If Hume and Cirkin get injured, then we start to become a bit thin in those areas."

Squad depth crucial for Sunderland, Bellingham unlikely to leave

With Sunderland making their first real statement since returning to the Championship, this season is looking their best chance in a long time to achieve promotion.

The addition of full-back cover could prove vital as the season goes on. They've struggled with injuries to key players already this season, and if they were to lose one of Cirkin or Hume, it could be detrimental to their plan.

If Director of football, Kristjaan Speakman, is eager to return the Black Cats back to the top flight, this must be kept in mind.

Arguably a more important factor, though, is the retainment of Bellingham.

We all know how good the youngster is, and if his name doesn't carry enough weight, these statistics speak for themself.

Luckily for Sunderland, the ball is in their court. It would be a shock if Bellingham did leave the Stadium of Light this January, having signed a new contract in the summer which extended his stay until 2028.

Speculation will rise next summer, and judging by last summer's interest from the likes of Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham Hotspur, the Mackems will have a challenge on their hands to keep hold of him whatever the circumstances come the end of the season.

Offers could be made, but the 19-year-old should stay put on the back of the January deadline.