Aston Villa ‘ready to fight’ in pursuit of Sunderland starlet

Steven Gerrard is known for investing in youth during his time in coaching and so it comes as no surprise that he has shown interest in one of the EFL’s brightest prospects.

Aston Villa are considering a move for Sunderland’s Dan Neil and are ‘ready to fight’ for his signature, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Villa’s scouts are reportedly ‘raving’ about the midfielder and the club could be hopeful they can have their own Steven Gerrard replicate in the long-term.

Burnley reportedly bid £3 million for Neil last month but Sunderland were quick to shut down any potential departure for their star man.

While Villa are likely to be prepared to offer more than the Clarets, it is unlikely the Black Cats will be willing to part ways with Neil given their promotion bid.

The Wearside club currently sit second place in the League One table and will be hoping to return to the Championship at the fourth time of asking.

Who is Dan Neil?

Dan Neil joined Sunderland’s academy in 2010 and has remained with his boyhood club ever since.

The South-Shields born midfielder only made two league appearances for Sunderland last season but has since burst onto the scene, making 26 appearances this time out.

The 20-year-old has become one of the Black Cats’ most important players - scoring two goals and assisting seven in the league so far.

A brilliant start to the 2021/22 campaign saw the teenager called up to the England U20 squad in November - making his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Portugal.

Neil signed a new four-year deal with Sunderland in October and called it a ‘dream come true’ to be playing for the team he loves.