Sky Sports pundit and commentator Don Goodman believes reports linking Manchester United with a move for Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham 'make perfect sense'.

The 19-year-old, who is the younger brother of Real Madrid midfielder Jude, has been heavily linked with a cluster of big-name European clubs following the opening of the January transfer window last week, including the likes of United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Madrid.

He joined Sunderland from Birmingham City in June 2023 and has gone from strength-to-strength ever since. He has played a starring role in the Black Cats' unexpected push for automatic promotion from the Championship this season.

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Bellingham's performance levels have gone up through the gears this season as a result of him finding comfort operating as a No.8, whereas last season he was often tasked with playing higher up the pitch. He has chipped in with four goals and three assists so far this term.

Amid mounting speculation about his future, Goodman believes it very easy to understand why United are being linked with the England Under-21 international.

"Unequivocally, I would be staying at Sunderland for the rest of this season if I was Jobe Bellingham," Goodman told Plejmo.com. "Manchester United have been linked with a move for him in the summer and I think that makes perfect sense.

"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."

Bellingham, back in August, signed a contract extension at the Stadium of Light, meaning he is under contract until 2028.