Sunderland can unearth their new Henderson by signing "exciting" £450k-rated EFL gem - opinion

Sunderland are plotting a summer move for Birmingham City attacking midfielder Jobe Bellingham, and he could be vital to their survival in the Championship next season.

Footballer Ron-Thorben Hoffmann recently told Kicker (via The Chronicle) that his friend’s son was sat near ‘Bellingham’ at the play off final between The Black Cats and Wycombe Wanderers.

It comes after The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that the Wearsiders were interested in signing the midfielder.

Sunderland went on to win the play-off final 2-0 and secure a long-awaited return to the Championship. Next season they will face a battle to stay in the division and Alex Neil needs to build a strong side.

Bellingham is a player that could help massively and the sporting director at The Stadium of Light was at Birmingham for his brother Jude’s rise to stardom. Therefore, he already has a good relationship with their parents.

This could give Sunderland the upper hand in any race to sign the 16-year-old and reports earlier this year claimed they were invited to watch a game on Wearside.

Jobe has made two appearances in the Championship this season, which is impressive at his age. He has played most of his games in the U18 Premier League for the club, where he’s scored five goals in ten appearances.

A move to the North East could give him the chance to get more regular game time and develop in an academy that is well known for producing top talents.

Premier League midfielder and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is just one of the names that has come through the youth academy at Sunderland and by signing him, the club could unearth their new version of the experienced midfielder.

Manager Alex Neil also has a history of giving youngsters a chance, in