Two Championship clubs ‘ready to fight’ for Dan Neil after emotional Sunderland departure | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Coventry City are ‘ready to fight’ Ipswich Town for Dan Neil as the midfielder nears the end of his Sunderland contract. The tug-of-war could set up an emotional Stadium of Light return next season with a new club.

Both promotion contenders want him on a free once his Black Cats deal expires at season’s end. Loaned to Ipswich in late January, Neil has made nine appearances and is impressing as Kieran McKenna’s side chase a top-flight return at the first attempt.

Coventry, the current Championship leaders and title favourites, are also keen and believe the 24-year-old could help them establish themselves back in the Premier League after 25 years away.

Frank Lampard’s side are nine points clear of second-placed Middlesbrough with seven games remaining, and hold a healthy goal difference over Kim Hellberg’s men. That position has allowed early planning for summer recruitment, with Neil described as a major target for the CBS Arena.

Neil has spoken previously of his surprise at the tributes from team-mates and supporters when his exit was confirmed. He was grateful, especially for kind words from colleagues, saying the respect of the dressing room mattered most.

He called the choice difficult but said he had made peace with it, taking pride in helping Sunderland back to where he felt it belonged. He added that this season was different, the team were doing very well, and that it is a new chapter for him.

Source: Sunderland Echo