Sunderland want to sign Manchester City ace as Jobe Bellingham replacement
Sunderland may be looking ahead towards Premier League football, but Regis Le Bris has a massive job on his hands preparing his side.
Although the Black Cats won promotion to the top flight after beating Sheffield United in the play-offs, several players are set to leave.
One of those is Jobe Bellingham, who is set to make the move to Borussia Dortmund this summer, once Sunderland get a bid they are happy with.
While the 19-year-old is set to be a loss, the Black Cats are already looking at alternative options.
Sunderland set sights on Charlie Gray
As Sunderland prepare to replace Bellingham this summer, they are looking at another youngster to take his place.
Charlie Gray is set to enter the final year of his contract at Manchester City and, according to the Sun on Sunday (8 June, page 59), Sunderland are interested in his services.
The report states that the midfielder, 19, has been identified as a replacement for their outgoing player in preparation for life in the Premier League.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 20 | 1 | 6 |
Gray could well be ready to make the move away from Manchester City this summer, too, especially with the opportunity to play his part as a first-team member at the Stadium of Light.
Given his contract situation, this could be the perfect time for Sunderland to strike with an offer.
Sunderland need experience for the Premier League
Le Bris did an excellent job with Sunderland this season and achieved promotion with a fairly young squad.
Therefore, when someone like Bellingham is making a big-money exit to the Bundesliga, it’s understandable why the Black Cats are looking for the next big thing.
However, making a move for Gray could be a risk too, and Sunderland need to remember how vital Premier League experience can be.
The youngster may be talented, but having only practised his trade in youth football so far, to recruit him as a first-team talent could be a risk.
As a newly promoted side, Le Bris‘ men have to be prepared to be versatile and, in the middle of the park especially, show their strength.
The Sunderland boss knows what it takes to create success on Wearside, but the exact same formula cannot be followed and competing in the Premier League is a different beast.