Cats facing fight to keep hold of top young talent

SUNDERLAND face an early battle to keep hold of their top young players this summer, with full-back Trai Hume being another with reported interest from elsewhere.

- By SAM ALLEN

The Black Cats already look likely to lose star midfielder Jobe Bellingham, with Borussia Dortmund said to now be in advanced talks over a deal to sign the 19-year-old.

According to recent reports, skipper Dan Neil also has suitors abroad, with AS Roma said to be interested in his services. Their departures would leave a big hole to fill for Sunderland as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Bellingham is set to draw a big fee from Dortmund, which Sunderland can at least reinvest into the squad. They will remain confident of keeping hold of players like Hume, who have been tied down for multiple years and still have plenty of room to develop.