Newcastle United are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Birmingham City youngster Jobe Bellingham.
The Magpies have enjoyed their best start to a campaign for a decade, currently sitting in third position in the Premier League table after losing just one of their opening 15 fixtures.
While the club were targeting any kind of European football for 2023-24, the North East outfit hold a four-point lead in the race for Champions League qualification.
Although Newcastle were always expected to be active in January, it remains unclear the level of funds that will be made available to Eddie Howe at the turn of the year.
According to TEAMtalk, Howe may give the green light to club officials moving for Bellingham, the younger brother of England star Jude Bellingham.
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The Borussia Dortmund man has developed into one of the best midfielders in world football since leaving Birmingham City for the Westfalenstadion in 2020.
Before his move to Germany, Jude made 44 appearances for Blues at a young age, and Jobe is already on the same trajectory having been fast-tracked into the senior ranks.
The 17-year-old has been provided with two starts and 14 substitute outings for Birmingham, the most recent of those chances coming on Friday as he played the final 14 minutes of a 3-2 victory over Reading.
As it stands, Jobe is not in line to make weekly starts in the Championship like his older sibling, but there are hopes that he can develop into a similar talent.
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While he penned a contract until 2024 as recently as September, he will still have just 18 months remaining on his existing terms when the upcoming transfer window opens at the turn of the year.
Yet another failed takeover bid has also left Birmingham facing a familiar period of uncertainty, and substantial offers may need to be considered by the current owners.
The report adds that Middlesbrough and Sunderland could also move for Bellingham, yet much could depend on any offers which arrive from the Premier League.
In the summer, Liverpool were credited with an interest in Jobe, and the Merseyside giants are currently viewed as the favourites to win the race for Jude if he departs Dortmund in January or the summer.
Darren Plant
