NEIL CONTRACT UPDATE

Regis Le Bris remains optimistic that the club can agree a new deal with Dan Neil, despite the fact he's now got less than a year on his current contract. With increased competition in Sunderland's midfield, Neil is no longer a nailed-on starter as he was in the Championship.

LATE DECISION

"It’s the normal life of a player and a club. It is always a shared decision in the end."

STILL OPTIMISTIC

"If we can’t find a solution and he stays, then I, as a manager, will be happy because he is a good player and a good person. He is really well-connected with the project. Then at the end of the season, if he has to leave, then he will leave if we can’t find any other solution. I still think there is a chance of progress [over a contract], though. I am still optimistic.”