Black Cats give up on Neill

Sunderland have dropped their interest in bringing Australia international Lucas Neill to the Stadium of Light. Black Cats manager Steve Bruce admitted talks had started between the club and the 31-year-old, but it now appears a move is unlikely. The Wearside outfit are reported to have been put off by the former Blackburn and West Ham defender's wage demands. "We did speak to the player about the possibility of coming to Sunderland," Bruce told the Sunderland Echo. "But as things stand, nothing's going to come of that and nothing will unless circumstances change." Neill is reportedly asking for around £40,000 pounds a week, which is a significant wage cut from what he received in his last contract at Upton Park. But with the World Cup less than nine months away, the Australia defender may need to consider reducing his demands in order to find a club.