Alex Neil to Stoke City update as Sunderland prepare for new manager hunt

It has been a dramatic day on Wearside with Neil set to leave Wearside for Championship rivals Stoke City.

Respected Daily Telegraph journalist John Percy tweeted: "Stoke are hopeful of confirming the appointment of Alex Neil as their new manager before Saturday’s game at Blackburn. Stoke have triggered Neil’s release clause at Sunderland and, barring any late hitches, he will replace Michael O’Neill.”

On Friday afternoon, Sunderland confirmed Neil was in talks with Stoke City over their vacant manager’s job.

Sunderland say they will battle to keep him, however, it seems increasingly likely that Neil’s time on Wearside is up and he will move to Championship rivals Stoke City.

It would prove a devastating blow for Sunderland, especially with just under a week still to go in the transfer window. That closes September 1.

Neil has been given permission to speak to the Potters about the vacant position and is the clear favourite with bookmakers to take charge at the bet365 Stadium.

He took training at the Academy of Light on Friday as normal and is understood to have picked the team for the visit of Norwich City on Saturday lunchtime.

Neil then departed shortly before a rearranged and then cancelled pre-match press conference at 2pm, with the club issuing a statement.

What’s the latest transfer news?

Sunderland are looking to conclude further deals before the September 1 deadline.

And there were fresh reports this morning that Sunderland and Brighton have agreed a loan deal for defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Paul van Hecke played 90 minutes for Brighton during the Seagulls’ 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Forest Green on Wednesday – yet there is still a strong chance the defender will leave the Amex Stadium on loan.

Brighton boss Graham Potter made 11 changes from the team which beat West Ham in their last Premier League match, with his side having an average age of 22.

It is unclear yet what the impact of Neil’s impending exit will be on the club’s transfer business ahead of the September 1 deadline.