Sunderland invited Jobe Bellingham and his family to the Stadium of Light last month as they explore an ambitious move to sign the Birmingham City teenager, Sportsmail can reveal.
However, the Black Cats will almost certainly need to win promotion to the Championship for any deal for the 16-year-old to become a possibility.
Alex Neil's side travel to Sheffield Wednesday in their play-off semi-final this evening with a 1-0 advantage from Friday's first leg.
The Black Cats invited Bellingham and his family to the Stadium of Light last month
Bellingham - younger brother of England star, Jude - was in attendance for a recent Sunderland home match and has spent time with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, formerly academy manager at Birmingham.