SUNDERLAND don't expect to lose Dan Neil in the final hours of the summer transfer window, with the Black Cats in a strong position to keep hold of the key midfielder, despite Premier League interest.
Burnley - who have long admired the 21-year-old - reportedly made a deadline day enquiry while Liverpool have also been linked with a surprise move, but as things stand it's understood Sunderland haven't received any concrete offer.
And if bids do land between now and the 11pm deadline, Sunderland are well placed to keep hold of the midfielder.
Unlike Ross Stewart and Patrick Roberts who are in the final year of their deals at the Stadium of Light, Neil has three years to run on a contract he signed earlier this year.
The midfielder is happy on Wearside.
Stewart's move to Southampton is still expected to be finalised before the deadline. He headed for the south coast on Thursday night after a deal - £8m up-front potentially rising to £12m - was agreed between the clubs.
What's not clear at this stage is whether he'll be followed by Roberts. Southampton's initial offer for the winger was £3m with a guaranteed £2m of add-ons. That will almost certainly need to increase if Saints hope to tempt Sunderland into selling the former Manchester City forward.
Southampton do have money to spend, though, after Nathan Tella joined Bayer Leverkusen for £20m this week.
Tella impressed on loan last season at Burnley, who were interested in Jack Clarke earlier this summer. It's not clear whether they'll revisit that interest in the final hours of the window.
READ MORE:
- Sunderland transfer deadline day updates LIVE
- Ross Stewart set to join Southampton - as Saints make Patrick Roberts move
Lynden Gooch is set to complete his move to Stoke City after undergoing a medical. Gooch will reportedly sign a two-year deal after a fee said to be in the region of £1m was agreed between the clubs.
Sunderland are close to confirming the signing of Nazariy Rusyn. The Ukrainian forward has passed a medical and will be a Sunderland player before tonight's deadline.
With Stewart set to leave, Sunderland will attempt to bring in another striker in the remaining hours of the window. It's not clear at this stage whether they'll look to the loan market or try to make a late permanent addition.
Meanwhile, progress continues to be made on a deal for Lorient midfielder Adil Aouchiche.
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