Meyler 'close to long-term contract'

Ireland U-21 midfielder David Meyler has played down all the hype and speculation linking him with a new, long-term contract at Sunderland.

The 20-year-old, who has started the last four Premier League games for Steve Bruce’s side said that he just wants to focus on the football and stay in the first team until the end of the season.

“I don’t know where all these stories are coming from, because I haven’t even spoken to Steve Bruce about next season.”

“No contract talks have been held and it’s better to wait until the season is over for that,” said Meyler.

The speculation on Wearside is that he has been offered a new five-year deal and Bruce is anxious to keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2015.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper.