Midfielder admits he ‘wasn’t interested’ in Aston Villa or Burnley links

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Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil insists he ‘wasn’t really interested’ in reports linking him with Burnley and Premier League outfit Aston Villa during the January transfer window, speaking to The Chronicle. 

Compared to Paul Gascoigne by some, Eberechi Eze by others, the silky Sunderland starlet will have the chance to showcase his marvellous technique and defence-splitting ability on a far bigger stage next term. 

Neil, born and raised in Whitley Bay, played a key role in the club’s promotion back to the Championship in 2021/22. And if the England U20 international can build on an impressive breakthrough season at a higher level, it won’t be long before the rumour mill cranks into life once again. 

The Sun have already named Aston Villa and Burnley as two suitors; Both clubs having reportedly expressed an interest in the lead up to the January window. 

Dan Neil has a big future at Sunderland

“When I came in full time as a 16-year-old, we were in League One at the time,” Neil explains. “And I was determined to get into the first-team because I wanted to be part of the squad that got us promoted.

“So when there was rumours, I wasn’t really interested. Because my only goal was to do everything I can personally to help the team to get this club promoted. Now the goal is to do as well as we can in the Championship and see where that takes us.” 

Neil, who’s ability to glide through the thirds while picking the tightest of locks, has drawn comparisons with Crystal Palace ace Eze (Telegraph). Former Black Cats boss Lee Johnson, meanwhile, described the 20-year-old as a ‘young Paul Gascoigne’. 

No wonder Villa boss Steven Gerrard is keeping a keen eye on Neil’s development. But it would take something special for Neil to turn his back on his boyhood club. 

“It was a rollercoaster season,” the youngster adds. “I feel like it went from zero to one-hundred.

“I took a lot of things from it and a lot of things I need to improve on. It was a good learning experience. And, hopefully, it has put me in better stead for this year. I can use the experiences and improve on last year.”