Journalist James Copley believes Dan Neil will be playing in the Premier League with or without Sunderland - backing up what Tony Mowbray has previously said about the player.
The Lowdown: Sunderland have serious talent on their hands
In what has been a marvellous first season back in the Championship, Sunderland fans have been treated to some of the league's most exciting talents in the form of Patrick Roberts, Jack Clarke, Dan Neil and Amad Diallo.
Mowbray has been able to guide Sunderland to being in with at least an outside chance of making the play-offs this season despite not having a pre-season to work with his squad of players, which is the youngest on average in the Championship.
However, if Sunderland don't earn promotion at the first time of asking, clubs with more money and potentially Premier League football could start taking a look at their top talents.
The Latest: Neil destined for bigger things
Copley has been speaking on The Roar podcast about how Neil is good enough to play in the Premier League, whether that be with or without Sunderland in the near future.
He said: "I love Dan Neil, I think he's a fantastic player, I love his story; one of my favourite stories at Sunderland. I agree with Mowbray, I think he's destined for the Premier League."
The Verdict: Black Cats will have to match player's ambitions
Neil is clearly a talented player as he's a trusted and dependable member of Mowbray's side having played 38 times across all competitions for the Black Cats despite being just 21 years of age, so he clearly has a big future ahead of him.
However, Sunderland will know what talent Neil possesses and that they must keep going on their upward trajectory if they are to satisfy him over the coming years - otherwise, they will be resigned to losing him.
It was reported back in January that Sunderland were opening talks with Neil over a new contract due to his performances and amid apparent interest from the Premier League, and this could do a lot to put off some big teams across England at least for another season as the Black Cats aim to return to the top flight.