Roma ready ‘shock move’ to sign £15m Sunderland star
Sunderland face a battle to retain their better players in the transfer window, despite being promoted to the Premier League.
Jobe Bellingham has already been linked with a move away from the Mackems in what looks set to be a busy summer.
The Stadium of Light hierarchy are looking to tie down Eliezer Mayenda and Chris Rigg to new contracts, but could struggle to keep another Sunderland star.
Sunderland face struggle to keep Dan Neil
Neil is another Sunderland player who has been linked with a move away.
The 23-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Everton, but according to The Sun, (page 55, 1 June), Roma are poised to make a move.
The Italians are keen on Neil, with the hard-working midfielder valued at £15million.
South Shields-born Neil could leave the Black Cats just over a week after guiding the club into the Premier League.
Losing Neil would be a huge blow for Sunderland.
With the added speculation surrounding Bellingham’s possible £25 million move to Germany, there is added importance on the Mackems to keep and build around Neil.
The 23-year-old has been a revelation for Sunderland, both helping out the defence and being a creative spark for the Black Cats.
Boyhood Sunderland fan Neil could join well-respected British players Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour in Italy.
The Scottish duo helped Napoli to the title, with Italy becoming a hotspot for Tartan talent.
If Neil does depart for Rome, he would be taking a big step up from the Championship to Europa League football.
Sunderland must buy and build not sell
Recently, Sunderland have sold the likes of Jack Clarke, Ross Stewart, and Tom Watson to keep the Wearsiders afloat.
Now that the Mackems are back in the big time, they can afford to keep some of their better assets.
Losing Neil would be a mistake from the Sunderland hierarchy, who would face an uphill battle to rebuild their midfield ahead of next season.
Instead, the Black Cats must build around Neil and their better players to stand a chance at staying up in the Premier League.
Last season, Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton all went straight back down to the Championship after significant investment.
Therefore, Sunderland can’t afford to be on the back foot in the summer transfer window.