Sunderland have now been tipped to keep hold of one ‘wonderful’ player this summer, despite his contract uncertainty.
Sunderland tied down a number of key players to new contracts last year, following a hugely successful first season back in the Championship.
However, the club’s dramatic decline since the turn of the year has left many of their prize assets with doubts over their future.
Chris Rigg is already uncertain about signing his first professional contract with Sunderland due to the manager saga, while it is yet to be seen whether Dan Ballard will commit to be a new contract as they look to extend his stay.
The Black Cats have suffered a further blow to their summer plans, with Dan Neil reportedly rejecting the club’s first new contract offer.
The midfielder still has two years left, but Sunderland are eager to extend his current deal to avoid potentially losing him in the coming months.
Dan Neil is unlikely to leave Sunderland this summer
The Wearside outfit are said to be ‘relaxed’ about Neil’s situation though, while he has since been tipped to stay at the club this summer.
Journalist Phil Smith wrote on X: “Think Neil would be daft to sign a new deal now, after the last few months and with so much up in the air.
“But would also take a massive bid in this window, and I suspect he’d stay if club can get themselves sorted with HC. So lets hope they do that…”
What does the midfielder’s contract uncertainty mean?
Neil still has two years left to run, so it is really down to Sunderland whether they sell him this summer.
Given the interest in a large number of their players, as well as the frustrations from the fanbase, they are very unlikely to part ways with the ‘wonderful’ 22-year-old unless they are offered a huge amount of money.
It would be surprising if Neil forced his way out of the club too, but if he is to give Sunderland a chance to turn things around then the board really can’t let him or the fans down.
The Black Cats face losing him for a decreased fee next summer if he continues to reject fresh terms.