Sunderland are emerging as a serious candidate to sign Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.

Given the latter's success in Germany following a move from Birmingham City, his younger brother has been catching the eye of scouts.

According to the Daily Mail, Jobe and his family were invited by Sunderland to the Stadium of Light last month.

They are hoping to secure the Birmingham City teenager and fast track him into the first team.

However, the report states that Sunderland need to gain promotion to the Championship to convince Jobe to sign in the summer.

They are 1-0 up from the first leg of their League One playoff semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday, with the second leg on Monday.