Crystal Palace 'ready' to make £20m bid for Manchester United transfer target amid Arsenal interest

Crystal Palace are ‘ready’ to make a £20million bid for Manchester United target Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland, according to TBR Football. Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the youngster in the report.

TEAMtalk have claimed this month that the Red Devils are ‘keeping an eye’ on his development in the Championship. It remains to be seen at this stage whether they will firm up their interest with an offer before the end of the January window.

Bellingham, 19, has been a key player for Sunderland so far this season and is being tipped for a bright future in the game. The Black Cats are currently sat in the play-offs as they eye promotion to the top flight under the guidance of Regis Le Bris.

Manchester United target Jobe Bellingham eyed by Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace could see the teenager as someone to bolster their midfield ranks. They have snapped up the likes of Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton from the Football League and may see the England youth international as the next player who is capable of making the step up.

Bellingham rose up through the academy ranks at Birmingham City, just like his brother Jude, and was a regular for the Midlands outfit at various different youth levels. He went on to play 26 games for the first-team of the Blues.

Sunderland signed him in 2023 and he has since played 69 matches for the North East club, chipping in with 11 goals. They won’t want to lose him right now mid-way through a season. United have been linked as they weigh up potential options. Ruben Amorim’s side drew 2-2 away at Liverpool at Anfield last time out.

Manchester United-linked Jobe Bellingham’s contract situation at Sunderland

Bellingham extended his contract at Sunderland until 2028 back in August. That means the Black Cats are under no pressure to sell him anytime soon and can wait for the right offer to come in for his signature if they are to consider letting him depart.

After committing his future to Le Bris’ side, he said: “I’m buzzing to sign this contract and extend my stay at Sunderland. I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business and I believe we can achieve some great things this season. This is such an amazing city and I’m so proud to represent the people within it. Everyone has made me feel right at home and I couldn’t imagine playing for a Club where it didn’t mean as much as it does to our fans. I enjoy playing for Sunderland and I can’t wait to get back to the Stadium of Light this weekend.”

Meanwhile, their sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “Jobe has fully immersed himself in Sunderland since day one and he has a clear affection for the area and the supporters. We always planned to extend his initial contract, but when a player performs so well in their breakthrough season, it is only natural for other opportunities to arise. Despite this, Jobe has been consistent that Sunderland is where he wants to be and his desire to remain at the Club is a big boost for us heading into our first home game.”