SUNDERLAND want Manchester City kid Charlie Gray to fill Jobe Bellingham’s boots.
Talented midfielder Gray, 19, has a year left on his City contract and may look to move on for the chance of a first-team spot with the Premier League new boys.
Charlie Gray is on Sunderland’s radarGetty
Shutterstock EditorialGray could replace Jobe Bellingham if he signs for Borussia Dortmund[/caption]
He has been on City‘s books since he was just eight and is yet to make his senior debut.
The teenager helped the club’s Under-21s win both the league and play-off phase of the Premier League 2 last season.
Described as a “calm, ball-playing defensive midfielder”, he also caught the eye in the youth Champions League as City reached the quarter-finals.
Gray could follow in the footsteps of stars like Romeo Lavia, Jadon Sancho and Jeremie Frimpong in leaving Manchester for senior football without a Prem appearance to their name.
It comes amid Bellingham departing Sunderland despite their promotion back to the top-flight.
Jobe, 19, is set to join Borussia Dortmund in a move that sees him take the same path as his brother Jude, 21.
The German giants recently sent a delegation to England for talks over a deal.
It has been reported that Sunderland want a fee of £25million for Bellingham.
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He could become the second wonderkid to leave the Stadium of Light after play-off final hero Tom Watson joined Brighton for £10m.
Meanwhile, the Black Cats are ready to offer their homegrown star Chris Rigg, 17, an improved contract.
But keeper coach Tom Weal has made a shock exit to rejoin old club MK Dons.
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