DORTMUND are confident they will beat Frankfurt to the signing of Jobe Bellingham and are offering him the chance to play at this month’s Club World Cup.
The Bundesliga giants are prepared to offer Sunderland £21million plus add-ons for the teenage midfielder.
Although Frankfurt are prepared to match that offer, it appears Dortmund are currently in a stronger position to secure the deal.
And Dortmund are keen to complete the transfer meaning Bellingham, 19, could feature in the opening Club World Cup match against Brazilian giants Fluminense in New Jersey on June 17.
It is five years since brother Jude joined Dortmund for £25m from Birmingham and he proved to be a stunning success before moving to Real Madrid.
And the fact that he flourished in the Bundesliga is a key reason why Jobe – and his parents Mark and Denise who represent him – are keen for a move to Germany.
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Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has already spoken at length with the player, who guided Sunderland back to the Premier League last term.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl has been in negotiations with both Sunderland and Bellingham’s parents.
Sunderland, after clinching promotion, are keen to keep the youngster and could hold out for £25m.
Dortmund qualified for the Club World Cup through Uefa’s four-year ranking, while Madrid did after winning the 2022 Champions League.
Both brothers came through the ranks at Birmingham City, so Dortmund would become the second team they’ve both played for.
Jude and Jobe celebrated the Black Cats promotion in style with a trip to Wayne Lineker’s beach club in Ibiza last week.
The Madrid superstar then linked up with his England team-mates in Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.
A successful move to Dortmund could see Jobe earn his first senior Three Lions call up.
They have have won major honours at Wembley, after Jobe won the play-off final a year after Jude lifted the Champions League with Carlo Ancelotti.
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