Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has told Sky Sports that he doesn't expect the club to sell Dan Neil during the January transfer window. 

The young midfielder has made a very eye catching breakthrough for the Black Cats this term after progressing through from the academy into the first team and has quickly established himself as a key player under Lee Johnson at the Stadium of Light.

It is this form that has led to many worries amongst the Sunderland faithful over whether they will be able to hold onto the youngster for the foreseeable future or not, as they continue to fear that he will be snapped up by a club at a higher level.

However Phillips has now moved to calm any speculation surrounding the 20-year-old as he stated the following on Tuesday night ahead of Sunderland's Carabao Cup game against Arsenal:

"Technically he's very good, he's a very young player and Sunderland fans are more worried about him leaving in January.

"I don't see him going anywhere, Sunderland will definitely not let him go, they can't afford too but he's a talent."

Neil has since gone on to rack up an impressive tally of three goals and eight assists since becoming a regular in the first team under Johnson this term and is continuing to improve.

Sunderland are however able to sit comfortable for the time being as they can be safe in the knowledge that the midfielder is under contract at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2025.

The Verdict

The form of Neil has been one of the main highlights of Sunderland's season so far and it for that reason that the club is now looking to build their future around him.

He is one of many bright youngsters that have come through the ranks of their academy system and now the challenge will be to keep hold of him as they aim to reach the Championship.

Given that the player himself has committed to a new long term contract, that shouldn't be too much of a problem for the Black Cats moving forwards, however they will be wary.

Just because a player has signed a new deal doesn't mean they will be about to see it through till the end.