Birmingham City expecting cash influx as Crystal Palace lodge first bid

Crystal Palace are reportedly planning a second bid for Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham in a deal that could earn Birmingham City millions.

The Blues academy graduate has seriously impressed since joining the Black Cats for around £5 million last June, with seven goals and one assist in 45 Sky Bet Championship appearances. This form, as well as the vast potential on offer, has gained the interest of an array of top-tier teams.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports Palace are actively working on a deal to sign Bellingham. The 18-year-old is said to be high up on Oliver Glasner’s list of attacking midfield targets amid Eagles forward Michael Olise’s imminent £50 million departure to Bayern Munich.

The Guardian has since chipped in, stating Sunderland have rejected an initial Palace bid and will only consider offers of £20 million or more. Several other Premier League clubs have also seen offers rebuffed, but Palace are likely to try again with improved terms.

Jobe Bellingham transfer would hand Birmingham huge windfall

The former Blues midfielder, the younger brother of England international Jude, could become the second Bellingham to reward Birmingham a hefty cash injection. Jobe’s sale to the Black Cats included a 15 per cent sell-on clause in what could turn out to be a masterstroke.

If Sunderland were to sell for the reported £20 million asking price, it would be enough for Blues to earn a windfall of £3 million. That figure may not sound too significant but it would make a huge difference to the transfer kitty in Chris Davies’ first window as manager.