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Sources: Sunderland star Dan Neil in advanced talks over deal
Sunderland are in advanced talks with midfielder Dan Neil over a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.
The 21-year-old is set to be rewarded with fresh terms after impressing for the Championship club this season.
Neil has been a target for a number of Premier League clubs and Sunderland are keen to fend off the interest by tying him down to a new contract.
It is expected that a deal for the England Under-20 international will now be finalised soon.
The midfielder has made 36 appearances for the Championship side across all competitions this season and has scored two goals and provided four assists in those outings.
Neil was in the starting lineup for the side’s 2-1 league defeat to Coventry on Saturday (25 February) and has been in the starting lineup for 30 of the 33 Championship games he has appeared in this season.
The 21-year-old has been a key player in Sunderland’s midfield this season as a result of an injury to captain Corry Evans which sidelined him for the season.
Neil has had to take up a more defensive role in the midfield, which he has adapted to well.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo (1 March), Neil said he is “growing” into the role more as the season progresses and studies players like Rodri, Fabinho, and Sergio Busquets to try and improve.
The midfielder joined Sunderland’s first team in 2021 after working his way through their youth setup.
His current deal is set to expire in 2025 and the side are keen to secure his future beyond that date.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has issued ‘huge’ Sunderland claim amid historic behind-the-scenes ‘leak.