"Complete uproar" - Sunderland warned over potential Jobe Bellingham, Crystal Palace response | OneFootball

The Eagles have been long-term admirers of the midfielder, and have already shown they have the cash to make a bid after making a move for Ben Doak.

Jobe Bellingham has been superb for Sunderland throughout the opening five months of the season and his performances have been critical to his side's surprise promotion push.

The Black Cats are currently 4th in the Championship, just three points behind the league leaders, Leeds United.

An excellent win over Sheffield United during the festive period put further proof into the pudding that Regis Le Bris' Sunderland side have what it takes to finish in the top two come the end of the campaign, but a development involving Crystal Palace could put a dent in that.

The Eagles have been long-term admirers of Bellingham and they are closing in on making a move for the 19-year-old, according to talkSPORT.

Sunderland urged to reject any incoming bids for Bellingham

The teenager has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, and it's clear to see that the talent he possesses perhaps exceeds that of the Championship right now. However, for the Black Cats, it would be a disaster to see him leave this month.

Le Bris has put his team into an incredible position at this stage of the season, and they have a great chance of winning promotion to the Premier League, whether that is automatically or through the play-offs.

Football League World's Sunderland Fan Pundit, Jack Austwicke has been quizzed on whether the Wearsiders will cash in this January and warned the club about caving to the Eagles' interest.

"I think if Sunderland cash in on Jobe Bellingham at this point in the season, there would be absolute uproar, complete uproar," he started. "I couldn't understand it. We are not that desperate for £15m right now this season.

"It would totally derail our promotion battle because Bellingham has probably been our most influential player this season, I'd probably argue, and he is our best player quite simply."

Jack continued: "Yes, they've got money, they've got £15m, but it's not enough like and whether they'll bid more, I don't know. But hold out for another six months.

"I don't think anyone would really mind if Bellingham was sold in the summer for a big fee because we know he's too good for us, but don't do it in January. It would be a terrible, terrible mistake and I really have faith that they're not that silly to do it. I don't think they will do it."

Bellingham is crucial to Sunderland's season

While the cash injection will help with any business that Sunderland are planning to do in the transfer window, finding a player with the ability that Bellingham has would be near impossible.

There are few players as exciting as the 19-year-old in the Championship right now, and he slots perfectly into the system that Le Bris plays. If promotion is not won, then it would not be a surprise to see him depart, but in the next few months he will only boost his price tag, and the Black Cats must remember that.

Palace do have money to spend, proven by the fact that they had an opening bid of £15m rejected for Liverpool's Ben Doak, as per Alan Nixon. However, the midfield starlet is worth more than money to Sunderland right now, and they must hold out until the window shuts.

The Wearsiders have an exciting young team, and Bellingham has been a leader for them, showing maturity beyond his years and supporters deserve to see him end the season at the Stadium of Light.