Crystal Palace are working on a deal to bring AFC Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham to Selhurst Park this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano (27 June), the Eagles have made contact already to sign the 18-year-old midfielder, who is the younger brother of Jude Bellingham.
Along with Antonio Nusa, he remains one of Palace’s top targets as they look to replace Michael Olise, who is all set to join Bayern Munich.
The transfer guru says that the Eagles see the youngster as one of their “dream targets” and they are prepared to launch a formal move when they receive a green signal from the player’s side.
If Bellingham decides to leave Sunderland, it is expected that the Eagles will make a strong effort to bring him to Selhurst Park.
Oliver Glasner likes the player very much and he wants him at the club this summer.
Romano wrote for the Daily Briefing: “Bellingham is also wanted by Brentford and other English clubs, but I would keep an eye on Palace because they are pushing.
“Their manager Oliver Glasner wants Bellingham, and so now it depends on the player, because if he gives the green light they are prepared to go strong on this one.
“As soon as Bellingham decides, together with his family, Palace are prepared to attack the situation. Contacts have been taking place already, and he’s absolutely one of their dream targets, so keep an eye on this one.”
Crystal Palace must back Oliver Glasner in the transfer market
Glasner proved last season that he is the right man to take Palace forward after they picked up six wins and a draw from their last seven Premier League games.
Losing Olise is a huge blow for the club, and Glasner could suffer more transfer blows if Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze leave this summer.
With the money burning a hole in the pocket after Olise’s departure, the Eagles must replenish the void with quality signings.
Jobe is a highly talented player, good enough to play regularly for a strong Premier League side.
He scored seven goals and provided one assist in 45 appearances in the Championship for the Black Cats last season and there is no reason to believe why he cannot replicate that at Selhurst Park, especially under a top-quality manager.
The transfer strategy is clear—Palace want to invest heavily in the youth, who will have a big resale value if he turns out to be a success.
Palace have already signed Chadi Riad from Real Betis, and are reportedly close to signing Daichi Kamada.
