Fresh Dan Neil, Sunderland transfer update emerges amid Coventry City, West Brom links | OneFootball

Dan Neil is on the radar of Championship clubs in this transfer window

A fresh transfer update regarding Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has emerged amid links to Championship clubs in the form of Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion.

According to a report from Football Insider on Wednesday morning, the Black Cats could sanction a 'cut-price' exit for the homegrown midfielder as the Sky Blues and Baggies face competition from the likes of Scottish Premiership giants, Rangers, in this particular transfer race.

Neil was a key part of Sunderland's rise back up the English footballing pyramid between 2022 and 2026, with Regis Le Bris' side subsequently enjoying a fine return to the Premier League after a previous eight-year exile, having spent a record-breaking sum of money for a newly-promoted side in an attempt to reconsolidate their position.

As a result, the 24-year-old has found it extremely hard to force his way into the Frenchman's plans, with the North East club bringing in a wealth of top-level experience in midfield through the eye-catching signing of former Arsenal man and Switzerland international captain, Granit Xhaka.

The form of the veteran midfielder and his midfield colleagues has plunged the futures of Neil and the likes of previous Championship and League One stalwart, Luke O'Nein, into serious doubt at the Stadium of Light, with a whole host of clubs hoping to take advantage of their current situations.

At present, Coventry could be one of three clubs featuring in the same division as the side who defeated them dramatically in last season's play-off semi-finals, as they still lead the way in the second tier despite a run of just two victories in their past eight games.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen what business West Brom are able to conduct in the transfer window, with initial links to Neil surfacing prior to Ryan Mason's dismissal on January 6th, with former Manchester United and Chelsea coach, Eric Ramsay, now at The Hawthorns' helm.

The aforementioned Championship clubs first saw their interest in Neil reported by Alan Nixon last month, as they were set to face competition for the South Shields native from divisional and Midlands rivals, Leicester City.

It was then reported by Sky Sports at the beginning of the transfer window that Rangers are also looking at a move for Neil, as well as his Black Cats colleague, Romaine Mundle, who has also found gametime significantly hard to come by since they defeated Sheffield United in last season's Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

The Light Blues have been transformed in terms of recent results under the former Sheffield Wednesday boss since his October appointment in place of Russell Martin, and are now just a handful of points away from Scottish Premiership leaders, Hearts, after recently overtaking bitter Old Firm rivals, Celtic, in the standings after a run of five successive victories - including a 3-1 success at Parkhead on January 3rd.

It has since been reported that Neil has emerged as a transfer target for Bundesliga side, FC Koln, as well as other German-based sides, with his contract at the Stadium of Light set to expire in June, having signed his most recent contract extension back in March 2023, in what was Sunderland's first campaign at Championship level since 2017/18.

As a result of his contract situation, Football Insider now claim that a 'cut-price' deal could be in the offing for any of the aforementioned suitors looking to lure Neil to their respective projects.

A report states that the Black Cats would be willing to part ways with their academy graduate if a sufficient offer is put on the table, with the current window representing a final opportunity for the North East club to make a profit on Neil unless a drastic turn of events was to take place in the coming months.

However, whilst "intense competition" is set to take place, the publication state that Neil is reluctant to move on, despite making just four appearances in the Premier League and EFL Cup so far this season.

Despite the fact Sunderland will hope to bring in some form of cash, Neil's reported stance gives his current employers, as well as potential suitors, a clear dilemma.

At this point, Coventry and West Brom might find a deal hard to pursue, albeit the Sky Blues could offer the former England youth international a quick route back to the top flight if they were to address their recent form and start to pull away from the chasing pack once more.

However, Rangers could find themselves in Europe once again next term, which is a completely different and exciting prospect for many players, as not everyone can say they have acquitted themselves against some of the continent's top sides and players.