Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham could be in the centre of a German transfer tug-of-war in the summer, with Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund both keen on the young midfielder.

Dortmund have long held an interest in Jobe, with brother Jude starring for BVB before joining Real Madrid. However, the Sun's Alan Nixon now reports that both Bundesliga giants are weighing up a move for 19-year-old Jobe.

Their interest could spark a late January transfer window bid should either decide to try to outflank the other, but it is more likely that he will be the subject of bids in the summer. Much, of course, could depend on which division Sunderland are playing in next season.

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Bellingham has blossomed under Regis Le Bris this season, scoring four goals and adding a further three assists in 26 Championship appearances, as the Black Cats launched their promotion bid. Saturday's 2-2 draw with Plymouth leaves Sunderland just four points behind league leaders Leeds, who play on Monday, and three points off Sheffield United in the second automatic promotion place.

Leverkusen have reportedly sent scouts to England to watch Bellingham in action, and they are not the only interested spectators. New England head coach Thomas Tuchel has also sent his right-hand man Anthony Barry to keep tabs on the Sunderland youngster, along with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

The German will pick his first England squad in March and is keen to explore all options open to him after taking the job in January.