JOBE Bellingham is set to be used as a midfielder for Sunderland this season - at least initially.

The teenager played a variety of roles in his first season on Wearside and looked to be the club's best option up-front last term as Sunderland's recognised strikers struggled.

His older brother Jude described the Sunderland youngster as a "thoroughbred striker" and former interim head coach Mike Dodds backed the 18-year-old to establish himself as the club's recognised No.9.

In Regis Le Bris' unveiling, the head coach revealed he had a clear positional plan in mind for Bellingham but didn't want to discuss it further at that stage because he hadn't had chance to sit down with the player himself.

The plan has since become clear, with Bellingham used on the left of a central midfield three in pre-season - and that's the role he's expected to play when the Championship gets underway next month.

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"I think it's a good idea to start, and then we'll see," said Le Bris.

"He has the great potential to press because he is physical and strong and energetic. That part of the game he can be very strong.

"Then from this position as a number eight on the left he can create a relationship with Jack (Clarke), for example, or Dennis (Cirkin).

"Of course they need experience together to improve that triangle but I think that it could be a good position for him."

Bellingham featured in 45 Championship games last season and caught eye of several clubs in his impressive first campaign at the Stadium of Light.

Crystal Palace and Brentford were both interested this summer, while Lazio have also been keeping tabs on the former Birmingham youngster's situation.

But Bellingham is happy on Wearside, pleased with the way he's progressing and is understood to want to stay at the club this summer.