SUNDERLAND want Manchester City kid Charlie Gray to fill Jobe Bellingham’s boots.
Talented midfielder Gray, 19, has a year left on his City contract and may look to move on for the chance of a first-team spot with the new boys.
He has been on ‘s books since he was just eight and is yet to make his senior debut.
The teenager helped the club’s Under-21s win both the league and play-off phase of the Premier League 2 last season.
Described as a “calm, ball-playing defensive midfielder”;, he also caught the eye in the youth as City reached the quarter-finals.
Gray could follow in the footsteps of stars like Romeo Lavia, Jadon Sancho and Jeremie Frimpong in leaving Manchester for senior without a Prem appearance to their name.
It comes amid departing Sunderland despite their promotion back to the top-flight.
Jobe, 19, is in a move that sees him take the same path as his brother Jude, 21.
The German giants recently sent a delegation to England for talks over a deal.
It has been reported that want a fee of £25million for Bellingham.
He could become the second wonderkid to leave the Stadium of Light after joined Brighton for £10m.
Meanwhile, the Black Cats are ready to offer their homegrown star Chris Rigg, 17, an improved contract.
But keeper coach Tom Weal has made a shock exit to rejoin old club MK Dons.
