DAN NEIL has committed his long-term future to Sunderland by signing a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who has been the subject of speculation linking him with a potential move to the Premier League this summer, has agreed a new deal that commits him to the Black Cats until the summer of 2026.

Neil enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season last term, making 46 first-team appearances as Sunderland secured promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

The Sunderland-born midfielder, who was a boyhood fan of the club and made his senior Black Cats debut at the age of just 16, has been a mainstay during the current campaign as he has taken the step up to the second tier in his stride.

Neil has made 39 first-team appearances this season – the joint-highest tally in the Sunderland squad along with fellow academy graduate Anthony Patterson and summer signing Jack Clarke. Despite not yet having turned 22, he has already made 95 senior appearances for the Black Cats.

A recipient of the North-East Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year award in March 2022, Neil was also previously named EFL Young Player of the Month in December 2021 and has earned England recognition at Under-20 level.

“I’m excited to be extending my time here,” said Neil, who is understood to have been interesting Leicester City in the last few months. “I’ve really enjoyed myself so far and I feel like I’m learning and developing, which is what I want at my age having broken into the first team.

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“All my family are Sunderland fans, so I have immense pride playing for the club. I always said I wanted to try and help this club get back to where it belongs and signing this contract will give me an opportunity to help do that.”

Sunderland sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, added: “Dan’s progression has been impressive and he’s an integral part of our team.

“It’s fantastic to see players flourish from our academy programme and Dan is a great representation of what young players can achieve here.

“He is an exceptionally talented midfielder who’s only getting better and naturally this doesn’t go unnoticed. He is immensely passionate about Sunderland and he understands and believes in what we are building, so all at SAFC are delighted that he has reaffirmed his commitment to the club.”