Nevertheless, Sunderland find themselves in a comparatively strong position. Many of their most integral cogs are tied to sturdy contracts, and assuming that Bellingham does eventually swap pink slices for Apfelkuchen, his transfer fee - combined with that of the already-departed Tommy Watson - will go some way towards bolstering the coffers.

SUNDERLAND want Manchester City kid Charlie Gray to fill Jobe Bellingham’s boots. Talented midfielder Gray, 19, has a year left on his City contract and may look to move on for the chance of a

Sunderland Standing Firm as Dortmund Pursue Jobe BellinghamQuiet Confidence Behind Stubborn NegotiationsAFC Sunderland’s resolve is being tested, and so far, they’re not blinking. According to