Michael Beale has revealed which Sunderland star has ‘a lot of eyes’ on him amid growing interest from Premier League clubs.
It’s been an up-and-down season for Sunderland who continue to drift in and out of the Championship play-offs.
Since the arrival of Michael Beale, though, the Black Cats have stolen back their place in the top six and will attempt to stay there.
Sunderland have become known for developing young talents and throughout this campaign, a lot of their stars have attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
Jack Clarke, of course, is the prime example.
The Leeds United academy graduate has seen his stock and value skyrocket in the past year due to his blistering form on the pitch having plundered an impressive 12 Championship goals this term.
As a result, Sunderland have planted a £25m+ price tag onto his head.
Clarke, however, isn’t the only player in red and white who has attracted significant top-flight interest with Michael Beale confirming that academy graduate Dan Neil has caught the eye of several.
Michael Beale says there’s ‘a lot of eyes’ on Dan Neil
Ahead of their clash against arch-rivals Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Saturday, Beale has challenged Neil to put in a performance that proves he belongs in the Premier League.
As a local lad and academy graduate, Neil appreciates the importance of games against the Mags.
The midfield maestro is also reportedly a target for several Premier League clubs in January having attracted interest from Premier League giants Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle’s Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes, Beale believes a match against Newcastle is crucial for the 22-year-old and his progression onto a bigger stage.
“Dan’s a fantastic player. There’s a lot of eyes on Dan because he’s got a lot of potential. Hugely important player in our squad and I’ve been super impressed with him since I joined the club.
“It’s important for him that he focuses on his game and plays well because this is the level he wants to play at regularly, you know, against these players.
“He’s going to go in and challenge himself against international midfielders and I think that Dan, from what I can see, has more than enough potential to go and play at that level regularly and so this is an opportunity for him this weekend.”
Is Neil Premier League quality?
After originally being given his first-team chance in League One, Neil has progressed rapidly into an integral player at the Stadium of Light who ticks almost every box as a midfielder.
Whilst he’s adept at popping up with goals and creating chances, he’s also incredible at closing down the opposition and covering every blade of grass.
Neil has already beaten his goal and assist tally from last season with three goals and four assists in 25 Championship matches this term.
The midfield metronome is having a greater impact at the top end of the pitch and there’s no wonder why top flight clubs are after him.
He has all the tools in the locker to become a world-beater, including an exceptional passing range, the boundless energy to press and a keen eye for goal.
If he continues this upward trajectory and shows he can handle himself against quality stars – as we’ll discover on Saturday – the world will be Neil’s oyster with a Premier League move in sight.