Sunderland recall £3.1m Milan Aleksić as Dan Neil interest builds | OneFootball

Sunderland have recalled £3.1m midfielder Milan Aleksić from his season-long loan at KS Cracovia, and his next step remains undecided.

After the 3-1 defeat at West Ham, head coach Régis Le Bris said there is nothing official on Dan Neil and a move could happen in the coming days.

Aleksić, 20, made eight appearances for the Ekstraklasa club, registering two assists. He also set up a goal in his only senior outing for Sunderland this season, in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town.

The Serbian youth international signed a four-year deal in August 2024 for around £3.1m, then joined Cracovia in September with an option to buy. At the time, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman framed the move as a chance for regular football in the right environment.

Whether he heads out again before the deadline is unclear. For now, breaking into Le Bris’ first-team plans appears unlikely given fierce competition in midfield.

Neil is into the final six months of his contract and has struggled for minutes since promotion to the Premier League. His absence from the travelling group at West Ham was notable, with a minor muscle issue managed during the week and no risks taken amid an active market.

Interest in the midfielder is growing. Rangers are admirers, while Sheffield United, West Ham and Ipswich Town have also been credited with monitoring his situation. He has made just three Premier League substitute appearances this season and is widely expected to leave during this window.

Source: Sunderland Echo