Sunderland captain Dan Neil is a surprise target for Italian giants AS Roma, who are keen on the midfielder.
Neil played a crucial role in his boyhood club returning to the Premier League, but the 23-year-old could be on his way to Serie A side Roma.
The Yellow and Reds had a great end to their Serie A campaign, climbing up the table, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League, and they could be looking to add to their midfield by bringing in Neil.
This is according to Alan Nixon, who also reported that the two sides could thrash out a deal worth £15 million for the midfielder.
How has Neil fared for Sunderland this season?
Neil played a crucial role for the Black Cats under manager Regis Le Bris, captaining the side as they gained promotion to the Premier League.
The 23-year-old was a key figure for Sunderland in the Championship, making 44 appearances in the league, scoring twice and assisting three, helping guide his side to the play-offs, finishing fourth in the table.
Neil continued to play his part in the play-offs, playing every minute in two close-knit matches against Coventry and playing the majority of the final as Le Bris’ side came back from a goal behind against Sheffield United to gain promotion.
Neil did not make as much of an impact in cup competitions, though, playing only once in the FA Cup as Sunderland were knocked out early in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Overall, Neil made 48 appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting three, captaining his side in their promotion to the Premier League.
Roma keen on Neil
According to Alan Nixon, Neil is a shock target for the Italian giant Roma, who are keen on signing the 23-year-old.
Roma have reportedly seen enough of the Sunderland captain, who could be available to three-time Serie A winners for a fee of £15 million.
Neil may not be the only promotion hero who could leave the Black Cats this summer, with Jobe Bellingham in talks with sides from Germany over a move.
Neil heads into the final year of his contract at Sunderland with no option to extend further.
Should Sunderland cash in on Neil?
Sunderland are now back in the Premier League after eight seasons away from the top flight, and they now have a big summer window ahead of them to help avoid relegation.
They could first lose one of their key players this window, though, with captain Dan Neil being linked with a move away, but should they cash in on Neil?
The 23-year-old has been at the heart of Sunderland’s midfield for years, rising through the academy and captaining his side to promotion.
This season, Neil has shown his quality for Sunderland, being composed on the ball and having an eye for a pass, averaging 5.87 progressive passes per90, above the average for midfielders in the Championship (4.30).
Neil has also shown his reliability for the Black Cats, being consistently available for Sunderland and rarely missing a match.
These qualities, matched with his leadership, could be crucial for Sunderland, who may need as many leaders in the dressing room as possible to help motivate and lead the team in what could be a difficult season.
While Sunderland might think it could be their last chance to cash in on the midfielder due to only having one year left, the newly promoted side may be wise to keep hold of Neil.
As mentioned before, Neil’s qualities on the pitch and off it could make him a needed asset for Sunderland in the top flight, and losing him may only harm their chances of survival.
It will be interesting to see if Sunderland will keep Dan Neil or cash in on their captain.