Sources have cooled speculation around Dwight McNeil as Sunderland’s attention remains on two key deadline-day deals
Reports linking Sunderland with a move for Everton winger Dwight McNeil are understood to be wide of the mark, with sources suggesting the speculation does not reflect the club’s current thinking.
The claims emerged on deadline day but have been played down internally, with sources indicating there is no active interest in the 25-year-old, and that attention is focused elsewhere as the window reaches its conclusion.
So far on deadline day, Sunderland have confirmed two departures, with Patrick Roberts completing his move to Birmingham City and Leo Hjelde also leaving the club as Régis Le Bris continues to reshape his squad. The main focus remains on two deals: Nilson Angulo moving in and Simon Adingra moving out. Those pieces of business are understood to be the priority as Sunderland look to finalise their plans before the deadline.
Any suggestion of a move for McNeil was always thought to be unlikely after the links first surfaced. The winger has been with Everton since July 2022, when he signed a five-year contract after joining from Burnley in a deal reported to be worth around £20million including add-ons. He made his debut for Everton the following month against Chelsea and quickly established himself as a Premier League regular.
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McNeil has delivered a number of notable moments during his time on Merseyside, including his first Everton goal away at Southampton in October 2022. More recently, he scored twice against Crystal Palace in September 2024, helping Everton secure their first league win of the season and underlining his value to the side when fit. Despite that background, sources have moved quickly to cool any talk of Sunderland pursuing the England international, with no discussions underway and no approach planned at this stage.
In other news, Harrison Jones is not expected to leave Sunderland on loan during this window, despite serious interest from clubs across the EFL pyramid. The midfielder has attracted widespread attention following his development at academy level, but a temporary move has been complicated by injury. Jones was forced off during Sunderland’s Premier League International Cup fixture against Borussia Dortmund at the Stadium of Light earlier this year, and that setback has effectively ruled out a January loan.
While interest remains from clubs lower down the leagues, there is a growing reluctance to sign a player who would not be able to make an immediate impact midway through the season. As a result, Sunderland now expect Jones to remain on Wearside until the summer. There is, however, an acceptance within the club that Jones will need regular senior football to kickstart the next stage of his career. As things stand, a permanent move later this year is a possibility. The midfielder’s contract expires this summer, although Sunderland hold the option to trigger a further 12 months.
Sources indicate the club’s hierarchy are supportive of facilitating a move that best serves the player’s development, with Jones highly regarded and well liked within the Academy of Light. He is particularly rated by head coach Régis Le Bris, who pushed for Jones to remain at Sunderland last summer despite loan interest, partly to provide cover during AFCON and in the event of an injury crisis.
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