Nevertheless, Sunderland find themselves in a comparatively strong position. Many of their most integral cogs are tied to sturdy contracts, and assuming that Bellingham does eventually swap pink slices for Apfelkuchen, his transfer fee - combined with that of the already-departed Tommy Watson - will go some way towards bolstering the coffers.

Sunderland Standing Firm as Dortmund Pursue Jobe BellinghamQuiet Confidence Behind Stubborn NegotiationsAFC Sunderland’s resolve is being tested, and so far, they’re not blinking. According to