Rangers frontrunners to sign Sunderland free agent Dan Neil | OneFootball

Rangers are mounting a major push to sign Dan Neil this summer and are currently viewed as frontrunners for the Sunderland midfielder, Sunderland Echo understands. Neil will leave Sunderland as a free agent in the close-season.

His exit was effectively signposted when he joined Ipswich Town on loan in January. Rangers explored a move then and revived their interest in recent months, The Scotsman first reported earlier this month.

Neil made 17 appearances in all competitions as Ipswich won promotion, and attention has since turned to his next club.

Head coach Danny Rohl is understood to admire Neil from his Sheffield Wednesday days and is leading a major summer rebuild. Neil fits the leadership profile Rangers want after captaining Sunderland during a promotion push and is thought to be earmarked for a leadership role if he joins.

Rangers are also making a strong play for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland as they look to start the window quickly.

Neil attended the Stadium of Light on Sunday alongside Lynden Gooch as a supporter as Sunderland secured a Europa League berth for next season. He is now set to make a final decision on his future.

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh recently outlined a plan to commit more resources to build a winning team, stressing mentality, leadership and improved chemistry across the squad.

Source: Sunderland Echo