Sunderland AFC: Wolves midfielder on transfer radar as potential Jobe Bellingham successor | OneFootball

The Black Cats are already looking at their options for next season with it likely that their young midfielder will have interest from elsewhere.

Sunderland are targeting Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Tommy Doyle as they plan for life without Jobe Bellingham, with it likely that some of Europe's top clubs will table bids for the teenager in the summer.

That's according to Alan Nixon via Patreon, who has reported that the Black Cats are keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at Manchester City.

Regis Le Bris' side suffered a blow to their automatic promotion push on Saturday afternoon as they were held to a 2-2 draw with Watford FC at the Stadium of Light. The Hornets had to come from behind to take the lead after Luke O'Nien's early opener, but an 89th minute equaliser from Denis Cirkin ensured that the Wearsiders took a point.

However, Sunderland are now five points off the top two following Sheffield United's 2-1 win over Portsmouth at Bramall Lane.

Sunderland show Tommy Doyle interest ahead of summer window

With supporters still dreaming of the Premier League, plans are already starting to be put into place ahead of next season and the Black Cats are already looking ahead to a scenario that sees Bellingham depart the club.

As per Nixon's report, Wolves' Doyle has come onto the radar of Sunderland, and they may just bring him in to replace their number seven if a huge bid does come in during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old turned down Sheffield United ahead of joining the West Midlands outfit from Manchester City, however, he has started only three games in the Premier League in 2024/25, and he may become available come the end of the campaign.

Similar to Bellingham, Doyle can operate in a variety of positions in the middle of the park and this versatility would come in useful for Le Bris as he looks to bring in a long-term replacement for his midfield.

If Sunderland do not win promotion to the Premier League this season, then it can be expected that Bellingham is cashed in on, with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen recently sending scouts to watch the teenager in action.

Premier League promotion would more than likely be needed for Sunderland to sign Tommy Doyle

It's been an extraordinary season for Sunderland so far, and although they have started to lose touch with the top two slightly, they are still in an excellent position ahead of the run-in.

The gap between the top four sides in the Championship has been incredibly narrow the whole way through the campaign, and there is still a great chance that the Black Cats can close back up to Leeds United and the Blades.

Nevertheless, if Le Bris is going to bring Doyle to the Stadium of Light in the summer, then promotion will have to be won as it seems unlikely that the midfielder will drop down to the Championship at such a pivotal time in his career.

Sheffield United have shown an interest in him in the past after a previous loan spell, and they may just renew that if they head back to the Premier League. Therefore, it is incredibly crucial that the Wearsiders make their way to the top flight and put to bed eight years of angst.

Bellingham's future is also up in the air, but his dreams of playing at the highest level will be difficult for Sunderland to keep up with if they are forced into another year of Championship football, making promotion important on multiple fronts.