Manchester United continue to show an interest in signing Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham this summer.
Since taking charge of Manchester United, Ineos have been keen to identify the brightest young talents in world football.
In the summer, Ineos brought the likes of Chido Obi and Sekou Kone to Carrington, and both have made exciting starts in Manchester. In January, Ayden Heaven followed in their footsteps and already looks like a bargain for just £1million.
United missed out on signing Jude Bellingham when he was taking the Championship by storm, but Ineos are showing plenty of interest in his brother Jobe Bellingham.
Jobe Bellingham’s performance for Sunderland in Championship play-off
In January, Bellingham rejected United’s approach as he wanted to focus on Sunderland’s promotion push.
Four months later, the Black Cats find themselves in the Championship play-off final after a dramatic win over Coventry over two legs.
Sunderland left it until the final minute of extra time to draw 1-1 with Coventry on Tuesday evening, and Bellingham played the entire 120 minutes of the clash from central midfield.
Data provided by SofaScore highlights the huge impact he had in the match, both offensively and defensively.
Across his 120-minute performance, Bellingham took 70 touches of the ball and completed 41 passes from central midfield.
He boasted a 100% success rate with his dribbling, and earned himself an impressive rating of 7.2 – the highest of any midfielder or attacker in the Sunderland side.
It was defensively where Bellingham shone the brightest with nine duels won, five clearances, three interceptions and two tackles. He was also not dribbled past once over the entire 120 minutes of play.
Latest update on Man United interest in Jobe Bellingham
Bellingham also starred in Sunderland’s first leg, and his impressive performances in big games this season only add to the reasons United want him at Old Trafford.
United have heavily scouted Bellingham this season and his analytics have been off the charts. It is unfair to compare him to his world-class brother, but given he is only 19 years old, it seems he is following a similar trajectory.
Bellingham is expected to cost around £25million this summer, but if Sunderland achieve promotion to the top flight it could make it more difficult to lure the young midfielder away from the North East.
Sunderland face Sheffield United at Wembley in the play-off final, and the result could have a big impact on whether Bellingham arrives at Old Trafford this summer or not.
United want both Bellingham and Chris Rigg from Sunderland this summer so a double raid could be on the cards. Both youngsters fit Ineos’ transfer strategy perfectly, and both appear to be good fits for Ruben Amorim’s system.
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