Tony Mowbray will STAY as Sunderland manager despite falling short in the Championship playoffs

Tony Mowbray is expected to remain as Sunderland boss amid speculation over his future – and Jobe Bellingham will join his squad this summer.

The Black Cats manager cast doubt on his position in the wake of Tuesday’s Championship play-off defeat at Luton.

There have been reports the club are lining up a replacement and the hierarchy have not felt moved to kill the rumours, despite Mowbray doing a brilliant job in leading a young squad – and one depleted by injury – into the top six.

The 59-year-old said: ‘Do I want to be here next season? I do, yes. But let’s wait and see how it goes, and what the summer brings. I don’t know what will happen next. I’ll just get on with it. I’ve got a contract so I’ll just keep going.’

However, Mail Sport understands that Mowbray is set to continue and has spent recent days planning for next season.

Bellingham, 17, is set to become part of those plans. We revealed last year that Sunderland were plotting a move for the Birmingham midfielder, younger brother of England star Jude.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, the former Birmingham academy manager, has a close relationship with the Bellingham family and has invited them to games at the Stadium of Light. The deal is likely to cost Sunderland around £3million.