Dortmund step up pursuit of Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund's coach and club chiefs traveled to England to discuss signing the 19-year-old midfielder, according to Sky Germany.
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Dortmund's move for Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund have increased their efforts to sign Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to AfricaSoccer.com.
Sky Germany reported that Dortmund's club chiefs and head coach Niko Kovac traveled to England this week to discuss a possible transfer with the 19-year-old.
AfricaSoccer.com reports that Bellingham has also drawn interest from Manchester United after impressing in the Championship this season, while Sunderland pursue promotion through the play-offs.
Contract and family ties
Any deal could prove difficult because Bellingham remains under contract at Sunderland until 2028, according to AfricaSoccer.com, meaning he is tied to the club for several more seasons unless the two sides reach an agreement.
Dortmund previously developed Jude Bellingham before his move to Real Madrid, and the club has also worked with English players including Jadon Sancho and Jamie Gittens, according to former Germany international Dietmar Hamann, cited by AfricaSoccer.com.
Hamann said Jobe Bellingham's experience in the Championship, which he described as one of the toughest leagues in Europe, would prepare him for the Bundesliga. "Once he's played there for two years and scored goals, nothing will scare him in the Bundesliga," Hamann wrote, according to AfricaSoccer.com.
Dortmund's Champions League opener
The interest in Bellingham comes as Dortmund prepare to host Villarreal in their Champions League league-phase opener at Signal Iduna Park, according to Goal.com.
Centre-back Waldemar Anton has taken over as stand-in captain following an anterior cruciate ligament injury to club captain Emre Can, and Kovac praised his leadership, saying, "He is someone who leads by example, someone who never gives up," per Goal.com.
Goal.com reports that Dortmund beat Villarreal 4-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, while Fear The Wall notes Villarreal have not won any of their first four La Liga matches this season, recording two draws and two defeats.
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