Sunderland want Wolves ace Doyle amid ‘major’ Bellingham exit news
Sunderland are interested in signing Tommy Boyle from Wolves as a “major” Jobe Bellingham exit news emerges.
The Black Cats retained Bellingham’s services despite Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Manchester United “checking him out” in the winter transfer window [The Sun].
However, considering the 19-year-old’s reputation, the Wearside-based club need to prepared for life without him in the future and they appear to be doing exactly that.
Tommy Doyle to replace Jobe Bellingham
Sunderland are eyeing Wolves midfielder Doyle as a long-term replacement for Bellingham, according to Alan Nixon.
The journalist reported via his Patreon (9 February) that Regis Le Bris’ side are expecting a “major” offer for the England Under-21s international in the summer.
That is why Black Cats ‘spies’ are prioritising a move for Doyle, who may be available for a transfer at the end of the season.
Sheffield United had an approach for the 23-year-old rejected in the recently concluded winter transfer window, but there are no guarantees over his future beyond this season.
Sunderland to cash in on Jobe Bellingham?
Bellingham’s performances for Sunderland since joining them from Birmingham City in 2023 have seen him attract interest from several big clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
Borussia Dortmund have also been credited with an interest in signing him [The Sun].
With clubs of that calibre waiting to pounce, the Black Cats are going to struggle to retain the teenager’s services even if they earn promotion to the Premier League this term.
Therefore, it makes sense for the Wearside outfit to start looking at sensible replacements for the Stourbridge-born midfielder and Boyle fits the bill.
It is worth noting that Boyle is contracted to Wolves until 2028, having only joined them permanently from Manchester City last summer.
The Wanderers bought the player ahead of the 2024-25 season after he impressed them during a season-long loan the season before.
However, the former Sheffield United ace has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter this season, having been restricted to just 453 minutes of Premier League playing time.
He could, therefore, leave the Molineux in search of regular playing time elsewhere in the summer.
It now remains to be seen if Sunderland follow up on their interest in the Manchester-born footballer.