Bellingham Bundesliga speculation ramping up

NO CLUES FROM LE BRIS ON TRANSFERS

- By MATTY HEWITT

SUNDERLAND boss Regis Le Bris gave very little away when it came to summer transfer business in the immediate aftermath of the Championship play-off final win over Sheffield United.

The 2-1 win over the Blades means the Black Cats will return to the Premier League after eight years away, and their impressive young stars have repaid the faith shown in them.

There had been major concerns that the Sunderland squad would need a big rebuild this summer had they missed out on promotion to the top flight.

Trai Hume, Dan Neil, Chris Rigg, Dennis Cirkin, Anthony Patterson, Dan Ballard and Jobe Bellingham have all been linked with moves to Premier League clubs over the past two seasons a clear sign, if it were needed, of the club's excellent recruitment strategy.

However, transfer speculation regarding Jobe has increased heavily in the build-up to the play-off final, with various reports suggesting Borussia Dortmund have held talks with the Black Cats midfielder about a summer move.