Young Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has rejected a contract offer from the club, as per talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, with the current managerial saga at the Stadium of Light being a major issue as to why he will not put pen to paper.
The 22-year-old spent his youth career in the Black Cats’ academy and has since become a regular fixture in the first team.
He still has two years left to run on his current deal, but his solid showings at such a young age have prompted the club to want to secure his future further. His rejection of the deal is likely a signal of the current mood around the club from a playing perspective.
FLW’s Sunderland fan pundit Jack Austwicke believes that the ongoing manager saga, which has seen the decision-makers at the Stadium of Light burn through a long list of candidates without appointing a successor, is key among the reasons for players like Neil becoming hesitant over their future at the club.
“To be honest, this news doesn’t come as a massive surprise after the saga over, to be honest, the last six months,” Jack told Football League World.
“It’s been totally shambolic and it is going to harm us in the long term if we keep doing this.
“I mean, the likes of Chris Rigg as well; I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
“Players want certainty at the club. If they see another Michael Beale appointed… Dan Neil’s much better than us.
“And it says something, he’s someone who absolutely adores the club and will do anything for the club. Even he’s wanting to turn these offers down from us.
“It’s crazy how mismanaged we are at the minute and, yeah, something needs to change, quick.
“Otherwise, we are going to get hurt by this, and we are going to lose players.”
Reports suggest that talks are ongoing but if they come to a complete halt, cashing in on Neil may be the Black Cats’ best option. Jack believes a hefty fee will be required for any transfer to be considered a good deal.
