Speculation about the future of 18 year old Welsh U21 defender Neal Eardley has resulted in Athletic tying the promising youngster to Boundary Park for the next three years. Liverpool are amongst the names of several Premiership clubs who have been keeping a close eye on Eardleys progress. Neal signed his first ever professional contract which will to keep him at the club until Summer 2009. The deal gives Athletic some security in case one of the big boys wants to come along and take Neal at a knock-down price.