Eddie Howe plots Newcastle raid for England star’s sibling with Rangers among five others keen

Jobe Bellingham could be on the move before his brother Jude in 2023, with Newcastle among those ready to take a punt on the Birmingham youngster, TEAMtalk understands.

The 17-year-old has already made his first-team debut for Birmingham and has 15 appearances to his name. Eleven of those have come in the Championship this season, with Jobe starting to make a name for his hometown team.

And whilst he not quite held in the same regard as his older brother, he is still considered a very good prospect.

A host of clubs from around Europe have looked at him, and at one stage it was reported that Borussia Dortmund were ready to bring him to the Westfalenstadion.

However, TEAMtalk understands that while a move away could be on the cards, Jobe Bellingham looks likely to stay in England. And more specifically, a move to the north-east looks an option.

We understand that Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland are amongst those keen on the midfielder. And Blues may have little choice but to listen to offers for the 17-year-old prospect.

The Championship side are yet to secure new owners and appear vulnerable to his sale.

Blues head coach John Eustace, though, will be determined to keep Bellingham at St Andrew’s.

Currently 14th in the Championship, they have seven wins, eight draws and seven defeats from their 22 games to date. While a push for the play-offs isn’t out of the question, their main aim this season will simply be consolidation.

John Eustace eager not to rush Jobe Bellingham

Indeed, both Bellingham is just two of the talented youngsters on Birmingham’s books.

Eustace, speaking recently to the Birmingham Mail, has explained why it’s important not to put too much pressure on Bellingham.

“Of course but the beauty of the club is we have a lot of players who play in the No 8 positions. Therefore, there is no rush to rush Jobes. We can develop him in the right way,” he said.

“Jobe is very level-headed, he gets his head down and he works hard. Jobe is an individual who has had a fantastic season until now. We’ve given him lots of minutes and he is developing really well. Obviously we gave him his first start in the league against Sunderland which was a good experience for him.

“Everyone is very proud of Jobe and the way he is getting on with his business. He has only just turned 17 so he is still such a young lad. But even though he’s 17, the way he is handling everything is a credit to himself.

“The way he’s been brought up helps. His family are fantastic and everyone just wants the best for Jobes. As his manager I have to look after him, which I think we have done up till now.”

At this stage, Blues look like they will face a battle to retain his services in January. And while it is not known what sort of fee he could demand, interest in him is growing.

As well as the north-east trio, we understand Rangers, Nice and Bayer Leverkusen are also among those keen on the teenager.

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