SUNDERLAND insist young starlet Dan Neil won’t be leaving the club during the January transfer window and the Black Cats will not entertain any potential interest from elsewhere.

Neil’s breakthrough season has seen the 20-year-old produce some wonderful performances in the Black Cats midfield with mature and technical displays beyond his years. 30 appearances and three goals this season have been rewarded with a contract extension that has seen him commit his future to the club until 2025. He’s also earned himself a call-up to the England Under-20’s squad.

Unsurprisingly, his breakthrough season has attracted speculation surrounding his future at Sunderland and a number of club may well be tempted to prize him away from the Stadium of Light. Premier League Burnley have been reported to be following the progress of the homegrown midfielder with the transfer window officially open for the next month.

However, Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman insists that Neil is not for sale and that the club plan for him to continue being an integral part of the team.

"We don't need to lose anybody right now” said Speakman.

"The whole purpose of the project is to build those assets and develop that strength in depth, and there's nothing better than having teams interested in your players because that does suggest that good things are occurring.

"But we won't be entertaining any of those players leaving in the window, they are motivated by Sunderland getting to where we want to get to at the end of the season."

As things stand, Neil has helped Sunderland to second place in the League One table with the club on an unbeaten run of nine games.

Manager Lee Johnson has placed plenty of faith in Neil this season but feels his trust has been rewarded by the 20-year-old.

Speaking after the 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers last Monday, Johnson responded to speculation linking Burnley with a move for Neil.

“I think the important thing for Dan is he keeps improving” said Johnson.

“I’m on him all the time. Even today, there will be two or three things that I pick out on the video that I just want him to keep being relentless and doing the things that he does well more often.

“Football can bite you in the backside. The minute you think you’ve cracked it, all of a sudden you’re going to have bad run of form, find yourself out of the team or get a little knock or niggle. He’s just got to stay in that growth mindset and keep improving his game.

“Inevitably you find your level. If Dan Neil’s level is the top level, which we hope it is, we really hope it’s with Sunderland and not anybody else.”

Speaking at the time of his contract extension at the back end of October, Neil said: “Everyone knows that I love this football club and I love playing for it. It’s a dream come true to be playing in the first team and I’m loving every minute of it, but I want more and I want to be playing in the higher divisions for Sunderland.

"I want to be part of getting this club back to where it belongs and there’s nowhere I would rather be, so I’m delighted to have extended my contract.”