Borussia Dortmund have made a decision on Jobe Bellingham after a slow start to life in the Bundesliga.
After helping Sunderland secure promotion back to the Premier League last season, Bellingham followed in the footsteps of his older brother Jude by signing for Dortmund in a £32 million move.
But Bellingham has struggled to get going in his new surroundings, scoring just once in 27 appearances in all competitions - that goal coming in the Club World Cup last summer.
The 20-year-old has only started five games in the Bundesliga, where Dortmund are second but nine points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
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He was sent off in his last appearance for Dortmund in the 1-1 draw against Freiburg.
Bellingham made his debut in the season opener against St Pauli back in August but was substituted at half-time of a 3-3 draw where Dortmund had led 3-1 going into the latter part of the game.
It was widely reported that father Mark, who advises his son, waited in the tunnel and sought out a conversation with Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
Dortmund were furious with Mark's antics and Kehl issued a statement confirming that it would not be allowed again.
He said: "We are all disappointed about the result yesterday. And still, the active area at our club remains reserved for players, coaches and officials, not families and advisors.
"This will not happen again. We have made this clear to all involved."
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Bellingham signed a five-year contract and took on the No.7 shirt but decided to simply wear 'Jobe' on the back in a bid to move out of his brother's shadow and be his own person.
His future has been called into question early on but a new report from BILD claims they still have faith in the midfielder.
Dortmund sold Germany midfielder Pascal Gross back to former club Brighton at the start of January and one would have expected the club to go in the market for a replacement.
However it's claimed that it is not the case, with Kehl, Dortmund chief executive Lars Ricken and head coach Niko Kovac backing "training champion" Bellingham to come good.
They believe that he will soon be able to show his worth in games and are not worried that he hasn't yet found top form.
Bellingham and Dortmund have been enjoying a customary winter break in Germany and return to action on 9 January against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Because of his recent red card, Bellingham will remain suspended but will be eligible for the next game against Werder Bremen.
Topics: Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga
Josh Lawless