Borussia Dortmund's academy pipeline is producing results at both ends of the pitch, with one homegrown talent pushing for an England senior call-up while another of the club's young stars attracts renewed interest from Italy.
Jobe Bellingham is in contention for his first senior England cap after an impressive start to life in the Bundesliga. Members of Thomas Tuchel's coaching staff are said to be "impressed" by the 20-year-old's development since his move from Sunderland last summer.
The midfielder has started both of Dortmund's opening Bundesliga fixtures and played a pivotal role in the 3-2 Champions League victory over Villarreal, coming off the bench to help turn the tide after Niko Kovac's side had fallen behind. His performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team setup.
Tuchel, who previously managed both Dortmund and Bayern Munich, is reportedly considering a squad overhaul following England's World Cup campaign. Several promising young players could be drafted in for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic, Croatia and a repeat meeting with Spain.
No final decision has been taken on Bellingham's inclusion, but the report claims he is firmly on Tuchel's list. Should he receive the call, he would line up alongside his older brother Jude, who has established himself as one of the world's leading midfielders since leaving Dortmund for Real Madrid.
Bellingham's rise has been rapid. He captained England's Under-21 side before making the step up to senior football with Sunderland, where he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League. His move to Dortmund for a record fee for a newly promoted club was seen as a major statement of intent.
While Bellingham pushes for international recognition, another Dortmund teenager is drawing admiring glances from Serie A.
Samuele Inácio, the 18-year-old Italian forward, is being monitored by both Inter Milan and Juventus ahead of the January transfer window, according to transfer journalist Nicolò Schira.
Inácio joined Dortmund from Atalanta in 2024 and has scored three goals in 10 senior appearances. He made his Italy debut earlier this year and signed a new contract running until 2029 in May, warding off summer interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
Both Italian clubs showed concrete interest in Inácio during the recent summer window and continue to track his progress. Dortmund are under no pressure to sell given his long-term deal, though a substantial bid from either Milan or Turin could test their resolve when the market reopens.