Phillips expects Sunderland to tie O'Nien to new deal amid Middlesbrough advances
Kevin Phillips has backed Sunderland to tie utility star Luke O'Nien to a new contract this summer.
The Wearside hero, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, has predicted the 26-year-old to pen fresh terms with the Black Cats despite recent reports linking him with a move away.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that O'Nien is being chased by a host of Championship clubs, including Middlesbrough and Preston North End, ahead of the conclusion of his contract next month.
However, Phillips is confident O'Nien's affection for the club will ensure he stays put.
"I think he will stay to be honest, I think he loves Sunderland,"
Phillips told
Football Insider
correspondent Dylan Childs.
"He seems like a real loyal guy. As I know well, they’re very hard to find and if someone is coming in with a better offer and the chance of playing in the Championship then it’s hard to turn down, but it’s clear that he does like the club."
"If they want to keep O'Nien they’re going to have to offer him a decent contract, but not to the point where they’re being held to ransom, so it’s getting that balancing act right.
"But I think if you offer him a good, decent contract, then he would stay."
O'Nien joined Sunderland from Wycombe Wanderers in 2018, and he has since clocked up over 100 appearances for the club.
He featured 44 times for the Black Cats last season, playing in midfield and across the backline as they failed to achieve promotion to the Championship.