Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris drops Dan Neil transfer claim as Everton plot move | OneFootball

Dan Neil is the latest Sunderland star to be the subject of transfer speculation this January

Régis Le Bris has responded to speculation surrounding the future of Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil amid Everton and West Ham interest.

According to The Telegraph, David Moyes is keen to bring the 23-year-old to Goodison Park before the market closes.

It has also been reported by Alex Crook that the Hammers are weighing up a potential move for the Championship star.

Neil has a contract with Sunderland until the summer of 2026, which has raised some question marks over his long-term future at the Stadium of Light.

Régis Le Bris responds to Dan Neil speculation

Le Bris believes that everyone at Sunderland is aware of the opportunity they have this season to get promotion to the Premier League.

He has claimed this connection will keep the team together, with everyone working with the same ambition behind the scenes.

“If you look at the owner, the sporting director and the recruitment structure, then I think we are really connected about the opportunity we have this season,” said Le Bris, via The Northern Echo.

“We all know the opportunity is there, and we want to do everything we can to try to make it happen.

“Then, on the other side, even if a massive offer was to arrive, the player has to sign and say, ‘Yes, I want to leave’.

“Hopefully, all of those things will mean that the decision in the end is really clear.

“It is normal to have these conversations about our players, but at the same time, what I can feel in the dressing room and here in the building every day, it shows that we are all so connected with the story we are living right now.

“That is not that common, and we all know that. In professional life, moments like these are very rare, so we have to enjoy them.

“Even if money is here, or promises are there – what we are living right now is really important.”

Dan Neil’s contract situation

Le Bris has also offered an update on Neil’s contract, which expires in 18 months, indicating that he’s unsure what the future holds for the player beyond this January.

“I don’t know what is happening with his [Neil's] contract at the minute,” he continued.

“I know that the club, with Kristjaan [Speakman] especially, has many conversations with his agent.

“That is probably in progress, although I don’t know exactly.

“He is a very important player for us.

“On the pitch, it is sometimes not easy to assess the way in which he helps the team to solve the problems we face.

“He is tactically very smart and can understand what happens on the pitch very quickly.

“He can solve things, and share with his team-mates what is important to do.

“If it doesn’t work, then he will change later and he has a very good connection with the staff.

“He is the captain. Sometimes, you can have the armband but not necessarily lead on the pitch.

“With him, he is very impressive.”

Neil has played in all but one of Sunderland’s Championship matches so far this season, contributing one goal and three assists.

Le Bris’ side sit fourth in the table, four points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

Sunderland must keep this team together this January

Sunderland have earned themselves a great opportunity to fight for automatic promotion this season, and they must stick to their guns and keep the team together.

Selling someone like Neil would have a detrimental impact on their top two hopes, let alone any of the other players that have been linked with moves away.

Le Bris’ comments should be assuring to supporters, with the Frenchman making it clear that the club’s ambition is to fight for a top two spot.

The next week or so will likely see their resolve tested for some of these young stars, but if they can hold on to everyone then it will be a real win for their Championship hopes.