AS Roma have reportedly emerged as admirers of Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.

It is reported that Neil caught the eye of the three-time Scudetti winners after they sent scouts to check up on Enzo Le Fee, who is currently on loan with the Sky Bet Championship side.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Roma are not the only side after the 23-year-old’s signature this summer. The Giallorossi have joined Premier League side West Ham United in pursuit of the Sunderland midfielder.

What kind of player is Neil?

As Championship fans will be well aware, Neil is simply a brilliant talent. Despite a tricky few years under Alex Neil and Michael Beale—where Neil struggled for consistent performances— the Sunderland academy graduate has really flourished this season and has shown his true potential.

He is a central midfielder, capable of playing in both a more advanced or defensive role, who likes to control the middle of the park and is comfortable in possession. However, this season has seen Neil develop the more defensive side of his game.

How has Neil fared this season?

Neil, who was named team captain ahead of this season, has been pivotal to Sunderland’s success and has been one of their standout players throughout the campaign.

The Englishman has made 38 appearances in all competitions for Régis Le Bris’ side, scoring twice and assisting three times. However, as previously stated, perhaps the most eye-catching part of his game throughout this season has been his defensive improvements.

Sections of the Black Cats’ fanbase have previously spoken about Neil’s struggles in a more defensive role. However, this season that has changed. He has won over half of his duels (52.7%) and has made an astonishing 221 recoveries and 42 interceptions.

The former England youth international has also maintained his offensive abilities. Neil has created 26 chances and has outperformed his expected goals (xG), scoring two from an xG of 0.75, as well as his expected assists (xA), with three assists from an xA of 1.10.

Neil also reads the game very well from the middle of the park and is excellent at recycling possession, completing 1387 passes this season.

Is he likely to leave?

Neil’s contract is up at the end of next season and with a Premier League side and a European giant sniffing around, it would not be unreasonable if Sunderland were thinking of cashing in on their homegrown star in the summer.

However, Sunderland currently sit comfortably within the play-off positions in the Championship. If Régis Le Bris is to guide them back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, then it could be argued that the prospect of captaining his boyhood club in the Premier League may be enough to keep Neil at the Stadium of Light.