Young star considers leaving club

SUNDERLAND are facing a battle to retain the services of highlyrated former youth international Dan Neil, who could become the next quality young player to leave the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle United and Wolves both hold interest in the 18-year-old, while Scottish champions Celtic are also tracking the teenager – who would be available for a minimal fee. Other reports have also credited Leeds United as suitors.

The Black Cats have lost a notable number of young players recently, including Sam Greenwood to Arsenal and Luca Stephenson to Liverpool, with Logan Pye and Joe Hugill both being lost to Manchester United.

Neil has yet to play for the Black Cats’ first team but was a U23 regular prior to the curtailment of the season in March, playing 29 matches at that level after his regular goalscoring exploits from midfield in the U18 side.

With interest in Neil high, Sunderland face another uphill battle to retain Neil’s services and the six-figure compensation fee that would be received if he were to depart would potentially be far lower than the player’s true value. ■■Shrewsbury Town have put forward an alternative start date to the League One season following the government’s announcement that fans won’t be allowed in stadia until October.

EFL clubs are due to meet later this week to discuss the start date for next season, with September 12 thought to be the most likely date to be agreed upon.

Last week Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced government plans to start a phased return in October, which potentially scuppers plans to start the league on September 12 – a date many consider necessary to finish the league without a logistical fixture congestion nightmare.

But Shrewsbury Town have submitted an alternative plan to the EFL which they say they are awaiting a response on.

Chief executive Brian Caldwell has suggested that the EFL stage early-round fixtures of the Carabao Cup and Leasing.com Trophy from September 12.

The government have spoken about pilot matches prior to October to test the draft guidelines that have been issued by Sports Ground Safety Authority, and Caldwell believes the two cup competitions would be perfect for doing that.

The Shrews then suggest the league kicks off in October, with some fans back in grounds.