In what is a growing concern for Regis Le Bris, AS Roma have now reportedly joined the race to sign one of his most important Sunderland players ahead of this summer.

AS Roma racing to sign Sunderland star

Sunderland could yet fall victim to what has been a successful season if the current campaign doesn’t end in Championship promotion. As things stand, the Black Cats sit fourth and all but secure in the play-offs. But that’s just the start of their race to win a spot in the Premier League.

Set to compete in the play-offs, Sunderland will be well aware of just how heartbreaking Wembley can be and as talents continue to rise throughout their squad, the pressure will be on if they reach that final hurdle come May.

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Players like Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have both been the subjects of Premier League interest in the last year and both are players who should have their sights set on the Premier League.

As the summer approaches, however, they’re not the only ones who could be heading for the exit door in Wearside. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, AS Roma have now joined the race to sign Dan Neil after officials spotted his talent whilst keeping an eye on current loanee Enzo Le Fee.

The Italians aren’t alone in their interest, either. They are reportedly joined by both Everton and West Ham United to form a three-club race which could yet end in the ultimate frustration for Sunderland.

Promotion could be key to "fantastic" Neil's stay

Whilst his role as captain would make any exit more complicated than it otherwise would be, Neil is a rising talent who should want to play at the highest level sooner rather than later. With just one year left on his current contract too, Sunderland may be left with no choice but to make a decision this summer if that issue remains unresolved.

The midfielder has earned plenty of praise during his time at the Stadium of Light, including from former manager Michael Beale, who told reporters: “Dan’s a fantastic player.

“There’s a lot of eyes on Dan because he’s got a lot of potential. Hugely important player in our squad and I’ve been super impressed with him since I joined the club. It’s important for him that he focuses on his game and plays well because this is the level he wants to play at regularly, you know, against these players.”

As the current campaign nears a conclusion, the future of several key players may well rely on whether Sunderland find themselves back in the Premier League next season.