Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil continues to be linked with an exit from the club

It feels increasingly likely that Dan Neil’s time with Sunderland could be about to come to an end.

The midfielder - a much-celebrated graduate of the Black Cats academy system and a boyhood fan of the club - is rapidly approaching the expiration of his contract at the Stadium of Light, and as opportunity continues to elude him and talk of an extension remains virtually non-existent, an exit has seemingly emerged as the most probable outcome.

To that end, Neil is not exactly short of suitors. In recent days the likes of Championship promotion contenders Coventry City and Scottish giants Rangers have both been touted as admirers, while fresh updates from Germany have linked Bundesliga outfit FC Koln with a prospective swoop.

According to Patrick Berger of Sky Germany, the continental side have already held “initial talks” over a deal for the 24-year-old, but are facing competition from a number of unnamed clubs in Germany and England.

And while concrete updates on Neil’s future remain sparse on Wearside itself, Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has dropped several strong hints that the club will not stand in the way of players who wish to seek out more regular first team opportunities elsewhere.

What has Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said about potential exits amid Dan Neil transfer speculation?

Speaking in a press conference just last week, Le Bris said: “The conversation is open for every player who lacks minutes. That’s always the case. The most important thing is the club project – this is the first idea. Then, after that, it depends on the situation. If we think that over the second half of the season, the player won’t play a lot, then it means you can perhaps find a solution.

“But you have to find another club with a good project as well. I still say that it is important to stay open, to avoid misunderstandings. If it is clear for everyone, then after that you can move forward.”

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For his part, Neil is certainly lacking minutes. The midfielder’s only start of the campaign came against Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup, and he has registered less than a quarter of an hour of Premier League football across the Black Cats’ opening 21 fixtures to date. He also remained an unused substitute in Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash with Everton.

And in terms of a timeframe for any potential departure, Le Bris also suggested talks were likely to be held with several players in the aftermath of his side’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

He explained: “After Everton, we will have a period where we can have different conversations with the players. So far, it was probably not the best period to have those chats. For the players with less game time, they want to play. This is the normal life of a footballer. We will see what is possible.”

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