Jobe Bellingham is a 'Premier League player in waiting' - but should stay at Sunderland until he helps them get promoted to the top flight.

That’s the view of ex-Sunderland defender Michael Gray who reckons the 19-year-old could jump straight into the top level, given his performances in the Black Cats’ midfield this season. Bellingham has been a driving force this term as the Black Cats have maintained their promotion push in the Championship.

There’s been plenty of comparisons with his brother Jude and there has been lots of noise around whether he will stay at Sunderland or move on. The club will be desperate to keep him in their bid to reach the Premier League and then even beyond to help them stay there, should they make it.

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However, a number of sides are reportedly watching the midfielder's progress, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and German giants Borussia Dortmund. The latter is where Jobe's brother moved after leaving Birmingham City.

In an interview with Betfred, Gray said: “He’s young, he’s talented and I think he’s harshly dealt with at times because he’s judged alongside his brother Jude who’s been sensational.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he’s a Premier League player in waiting, if that’s where he wants to go. There’s a lot of clubs in Europe after him and Borussia Dortmund have been watching him on a weekly basis as well.

“There’s no doubt that Jobe Bellingham is an outstanding talent. He’s got that movement that his brother’s got, he’s got an eye for goal, he’s certainly got an eye for a pass and he can jump straight into the Premier League.

“I hope he stays and I know the Sunderland fans expect him to stay, but wouldn’t it be nice if he can get promoted with them? Then he could move.”

Despite the interest from elsewhere, Bellingham looks set to stay at the Stadium of Light until the end of the season. After that, he will have a number of options at his disposal should Sunderland look to cash in on him.

BBC Newcastle commentator Nick Barnes said he wouldn't be surprised if he followed his brother's path and moved to Germany, given Dortmund’s rumoured interest in the England U21 man.

Barnes, speaking to The Telegraph, said: “Possibly, because it is difficult sometimes not to associate him with his brother and the pathway he took to Dortmund and Real Madrid.

“There are a growing number of young English players who are taking that option, exposing themselves to European football at a much younger age and playing for big clubs, with high expectations, more regularly than they might do if they moved to the Premier League. It may well make sense for Jobe to do the same.”