Jobe Bellingham should stay put at Sunderland – that’s the view of former Black Cats striker Don Goodman.

The midfielder has been a revelation this season for Regis Le Bris’ side in the Championship and there is inevitable speculation about his future this month as the January transfer window continues. He and a number of other players have become sought-after and it’s no surprise.

But Goodman insisted the 19-year-old should stay on Wearside. Speaking to Plejmo.com, he said: “Unequivocally, I would be staying at Sunderland for the rest of this season if I was Jobe Bellingham. Manchester United have been linked with a move for him in the summer and I think that makes perfect sense.

READ MORE: 'The answer is Sunderland' - Louie Barry transfer move as Aston Villa decide to loan out forward

READ MORE: The reason why Sunderland clash at Middlesbrough next month will be free-to-air on ITV

“He’s a midfielder who can do literally everything. He can play the deep role, conventional or advanced. He can even play as a false nine. He can pass, he can dribble, he can run, he can tackle, he can create and he can score goals.

“There’s been so much criticism over Manchester United’s lack of athleticism in midfield, so a move for Jobe makes sense. It might be a big step up and a gamble but he’s 19 and is only going to get better. He ticks every box for Man United and while it’s a different level, you just need to look at how his brother stepped up from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund.

“From his brother, we know that Jobe comes from a grounded family who give them both a lot of support. My advice to him would be, see the season out at Sunderland and you could be a Premier League player with them. If not, there will be lots and lots of opportunities on the table in the summer.”

As for whether Rennes midfielder Glen Kamara should join the club, Goodman added: “When I saw the Glen Kamara to Sunderland links I thought ‘that makes a lot of sense.’ He’s a tidy player who is proven at Championship level, he was excellent for Leeds last season, he would bring experience at 29-years-old, too.

“If that move is an option for Sunderland, I would be a fan of it.”

Sunderland-linked Louie Barry would also be an asset to any team in the upper reaches of the Championship according to Goodman.

He added: “Louie Barry needs to join a team that plays a possession-based game and a similar style to Stockport County.

“He’s been linked with Derby County but with all due respect to them, at this current time, they wouldn’t tick that box. That’s not intended to be offensive but if he can get game time at a team in the upper reaches of the Championship, he would be an asset to pretty much any of those teams.

“Ultimately, Aston Villa need to send him somewhere to play week-in-week out and a promotion charge would be a test I’m sure he would relish and thrive in.”