Ally McCoist believes Sunderland can still get promoted to the Premier League - and that it is their best chance of keeping hold of Jobe Bellingham.

McCoits, now one of the game's premier pundits, had a spell at Sunderland early in his career. The Scottish striker played on Wearside between 1982-83 and has retained a soft spot for the club ever since.

He went on to become one of Scotland's greatest goalscorers, but regularly checks in on his old club to catch their games. And McCoist believes the Black Cats can reach the Premier League despite stiff competition from Leeds United, Burnley and Sheffield United.

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Sunderland host Luton Town tonight and Bellingham is expected to return to the side after injury. The midfielder has been in great form again this season, and Sunderland resisted any approaches for him in the transfer window as they continue to build a squad capable of reaching the top flight.

McCoist was asked whether Bellingham is destined to leave the club in the summer should they miss out on promotion. He replied: “Sadly for my fellow Mackems, I think so. He’s been great. I watch their games every week and he’s been great.

"They [Sunderland] have been fabulous. I’m not ruling out automatic promotion, I’m really not.

“The league is one of my favourites in world football because it’s relentless. A lot of respect for the players and teams in that league. I think Sunderland have still got a chance of automatic promotion.

"I think such is the form of Jobe, it will be very difficult to knock back any concrete and acceptable offers that come in.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been the latest club to be linked with Bellingham, who also attracted attention from Crystal Palace, West Ham and German giants Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga side have an obvious link, given his brother Jude moved there from Birmingham City, before going on to Real Madrid.

When asked if a similar move to Germany could work for the Sunderland midfielder, McCoist added: “You look at that club and it ticks so many boxes in so many ways.

“Regardless of the fact his brother was there, and we know how successful he was, put that to one side and it’s still potentially a brilliant move. They are a great club, amazing fan base, great pedigree of being successful, as good a pedigree as anyone at bringing young players through. It would make sense.”