Crystal Palace are in talks with Sunderland for a potential deal to sign teenage midfielder Jobe Bellingham, as first reported by Fabrizio Romano. The 18-year-old scored seven goals in the 23/24 Championship season, and is thought by Palace's hierarchy to be a versatile and high-potential player capable of playing within manager Oliver Glaser's system.
The Palace Way understands that Palace have been tracking Bellingham for over a year, and he has been on a more specific shortlist in the last six months.
Glasner himself is keen on Bellingham, whose tenacity and drive would be natural fit for the high-pressure style of play the Austrian prefers. Bellingham also fits Director of Football Dougie Freedman's model of signing young players from the Championship at a relatively low fee, once their future sell on value is taken into account.
However, Bellingham would likely fetch a fee similar to that of Adam Wharton, who cost Palace upwards of £18m in January. As with Wharton, Bellingham is both under 20 and on a long-term deal, suggesting a purchase would come at a high cost to the Eagles.
Freedman and Palace are prepared to look for suitable alternatives, with Birmingham City's Jordan James a well-known target. James matched Bellingham's goal tally in the Championship last season, and possesses an ability to transition a tackle into attack through his long-range passing, which could also lend itself to Glasner's system.
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Birmingham's relegation to League One, in tandem with a contract that is set to expire in 2025 (albeit with an option to extend), would make James a more affordable signing for Palace, should Bellingham be out of their price range.
Just last month, Wales manager Rob Page told the BBC that he would "not be surprised" if James were to leave Birmingham City this summer.
Palace are expected to allow their young academy midfielder David Ozoh to go out on loan next season. The 18-year-old has made 13 appearances for Palace, although all of those have come from the bench.
Even with Ozoh's departure, signing another midfielder would take Palace's first-team tally to six for just two starting places - Doucoure, Wharton, Lerma, Hughes, Ahamada, and a new signing. Consequently, Naoirou Ahamada could be allowed to leave on loan to gain more first-team football and experience.