Coventry City face transfer setback as Rangers set for talks with departing Sunderland player | OneFootball

Coventry have been linked with a move for Dan Neil as a free agent

Coventry City are preparing for life in the Premier League next season following their promotion under Frank Lampard.

The 47-year-old led the Sky Blues to top spot in the Championship table, earning 95 points in the process.

The club finished ahead of Ipswich Town by 11 points to claim the title, while ending a 25-year absence from the top flight.

It could be a busy summer ahead at the CBS Arena as they now prepare for a tough year ahead, as they look to maintain their status among the best in the country.

Lampard’s previous coaching experience with Everton and Chelsea in the first tier could prove crucial in their bid to avoid relegation straight back down to the second division.

The transfer market will also be important, with reinforcements needed to improve their ability to compete against the very best.

Coventry City suffer Dan Neil transfer setback due to Rangers update

It was reported in March that Coventry are keen on a deal for Dan Neil amid his departure from Sunderland.

However, according to Alan Nixon, they now face competition from Rangers for the midfielder.

The Glasgow giants are set for talks with the 24-year-old, who spent the second half of this season on loan with Ipswich.

A permanent move to Portman Road is believed to be unlikely at this stage, with Kieran McKenna’s side securing automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Neil made 16 appearances in the Championship following his switch from Sunderland on loan, but started on only eight occasions.

He was unable to establish himself as a key part of the first team squad, leading to speculation of a move elsewhere with the expiry of his contract at the Stadium of Light.

Coventry could look to bolster their midfield options by bringing in Neil, but the club are now facing the prospect of losing out to Rangers instead.

Danny Rohl’s side finished third in the Premiership last year, and will be able to offer the former Sunderland player European football and the chance to win major silverware in Scotland.

Neil also helped the Black Cats earn promotion to the Premier League 12 months ago, making 44 appearances as they won the play-offs under Régis Le Bris.

He contributed two goals and three assists to help the team come fourth in the table, beating Coventry City en route to Wembley Stadium.

But he fell down the pecking order this season, playing three times in the Premier League, coming on as a substitute on each occasion.

Rangers move may be appealing to Dan Neil over Coventry City

Neil wasn’t deemed good enough by Sunderland to compete in the Premier League, so there’s every chance he’ll end up a rotation option if he moves to Coventry this summer.

Meanwhile, he has the potential to earn more consistent minutes with Rangers, while also being able to compete for trophies and in Europe.

As a free agent, he has the freedom to choose his next destination, and a switch to Ibrox will certainly be appealing at this stage in his career.