Sunderland AFC deal Everton, West Ham major blow in Dan Neil pursuit | OneFootball

It looks as though the Black Cats will be taking a firm stance on Neil during the final days of the window.

Sunderland are prepared to reject offers to keep Dan Neil at the Stadium of Light beyond the end of the January transfer window.

This is according to the Northern Echo, with this report coming amid interest in the midfielder from a couple of Premier League sides in recent weeks.

The Black Cats were always going to attract interest in some of their players this month, having done very well during the first half of the season under Regis Le Bris.

But so far, they have been able to retain all of their key players, with Zak Johnson and Nazariy Rusyn their only notable exits, with both leaving Wearside on loan.

In terms of arrivals, they have been able to recruit Enzo Le Fee on loan from Roma, but another one of their midfielders has recently attracted interest from elsewhere.

Sunderland stance on Dan Neil amid Everton and West Ham links

Neil, 23, has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Black Cats in recent years - and has done enough to attract interest from Everton during this window.

David Moyes' side ideally need some reinforcements before the window closes, even though they have been able to pick up some promising results during the early stages of the Scotsman's tenure.

They haven't been afraid to recruit from the Championship before, securing a summer deal for Crysencio Summerville.

But they aren't the only team in this race, with West Ham also taking an interest. Graham Potter has recently been installed as the club's new boss - and having managed in the English second tier before - he may be keen to look at this market.

However, these two teams may find it difficult to secure an agreement for Neil, who has continued to perform well, during this window.

The Northern Echo have reported that they are prepared to reject offers for the 23-year-old in the final days of the window.

They also hold the same stance on Chris Rigg - and are confident about their chances of retaining Jobe Bellingham too - according to the same report.

Sunderland are right to take tough Dan Neil stance

The player's current contract expires in 2026.

And with this in mind, many people will see this window as the ideal opportunity for the Black Cats to sell him.

But to sell such a key player and leader like Neil in the next week could have a detrimental impact on what is already a young team.

This is why the Black Cats are right to retain a tough stance on Neil - and credit has to go to the Black Cats' hierarchy if they retain the midfielder.

Le Bris deserves backing, and not just in terms of buying players. Keeping Neil would mean a lot to the club's current boss.