Bellingham agreement in sight for Dortmund

Reports have recently suggested that Borussia Dortmund’s initial bid for Jobe Bellingham was rejected by Sunderland.

However, according to local outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, the Black and Yellows still expect to complete the transfer before the Club World Cup.

The report claims that Dortmund are in close contact with Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, who is open to a deal worth €30 million - €10 million below the player’s reported €40 million release clause - as previously agreed with the Bellingham family.

Dortmund would prefer to structure €5 million of that sum as performance-based bonuses, reducing the base fee to €25 million. 

With the two clubs now reportedly close in their valuations, an agreement could be reached in the coming days.

Bellingham is currently with the England U21 national team, but he is unlikely to feature at the European Championship. Instead, he is expected to link up with Dortmund for the upcoming Club World Cup.