European giants ‘doing homework’ on Sunderland star as Regis Le Bris prepares for busy transfer window

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Sunderland are just 90 minutes away from reaching the Championship play-off final for the first time in their history following their 2-1 win over Coventry City on Friday evening.

While the Black Cats have reached the final in the second tier before, this was prior to the 2004/05 campaign when the league was branded and they know that if they hold their nerve on Tuesday they will have the chance of returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

Eliezer Mayenda’s late strike has given Regis Le Bris’ side a huge advantage heading into the second leg after Wilson Isidor ended his goal drought 20 minutes earlier. Jack Rudoni levelled the game just moments after the Frenchman’s opener but the Sky Blues could not hold on for a draw at the CBS Arena.

Coventry have had the better of Sunderland over the years but the Black Cats have given themselves a fantastic opportunity of returning to Wembley, three seasons after they won promotion from League One in the play-offs. However, the future of one star remains up for debate, if they achieve Premier League status.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director weighs in on Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham

Borussia Dortmund have already watched Jobe Bellingham, and it seems likely that they will visit the Stadium of Light for the second leg on Tuesday evening after an excellent night for the midfielder.

The German giants are keen to replicate the journey that his older brother, Jude Bellingham, went on and Sunderland may be at risk of losing the teenager in the summer transfer window if they do fail in their bid for promotion.

Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, was one of those who visited the CBS Arena to watch the 19-year-old and he has commented on why he made that decision.

He said (via: WAZ): “Of course, I won’t say anything about these topics now. It sometimes happens that this has come up. We’re doing our homework. We have to do that.

“Nevertheless, a lot is open, regardless of the issues. We currently have our own homework. We have a few players we’re thinking about. But for now, let’s focus on this game. Because the next two [one game] games will be crucial,” Kehl concluded.

European football will be a huge draw for Jobe Bellingham

While Sunderland may be able to offer Bellingham the opportunity to feature in the Premier League, Dortmund are on course to finish in a Europa League place, although victory on the final day of the season could see them climb into a Champions League spot.

With the Black Cats’ record in the Championship play-offs, there is still work to be done to take the club back to the top flight and if the right offer comes in, the Wearsiders may not be able to turn it down.

Bellingham will be keen to reach a level similar to his older brother as quickly as possible, and this ambition will be hard for Sunderland to keep contained – especially if they are beaten by Coventry on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, full focus will be on that clash at the Stadium of Light and the midfielder will be hoping to create his own legacy in the next couple of weeks.