Newcastle Still Interested in Jobe Bellingham Despite Summer Rejection

Newcastle United is reportedly still interested in signing Jobe Bellingham, even though he rejected a move to join bitter rivals Sunderland in the summer. Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude, left Birmingham for Sunderland in a £1.5 million deal.

Sunderland Beats Off Interest from Newcastle

According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland managed to beat off interest from Newcastle to secure Bellingham's signature. Newcastle bosses had spoken with Bellingham's family about a potential transfer to St. James Park.

Stadium of Light Offered More Playing Time

Despite Newcastle's interest, Bellingham ultimately chose to sign with Sunderland as it offered him more guaranteed first-team football. The move seems to have paid off for the young playmaker, who has made 26 appearances and scored four goals this season.

Newcastle Still Tracking Bellingham

Bellingham's impressive form has attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including Newcastle. The Newcastle scouts will have a front row seat to watch him in action as the two rival teams face off in a rare Tyne-Wear derby in the FA Cup.

Jude Bellingham Returns to Madrid

While Jobe Bellingham prepares to face Newcastle, his brother Jude will not be in attendance. The Real Madrid star has returned to Madrid for a Copa del Rey tie at Arandina after watching his younger sibling play twice over the Christmas period.

Jude Bellingham Breaks LaLiga Protocol

In other news, Jude Bellingham has found himself in hot water as he has been caught breaking LaLiga protocol. Spanish publication AS reports that the 20-year-old has been cutting holes in the back of his socks, a practice that is not technically allowed in LaLiga.

According to the rules, players are not supposed to play with ripped socks, shorts, or shirts. However, it seems that LaLiga officials often turn a blind eye to such violations due to the challenges of enforcing the rule and making players wear full socks.