Southampton ‘in advanced talks’ to sign Dan Neil on free transfer | OneFootball

Southampton are ‘in advanced talks’ to sign Dan Neil on a free as they reshape midfield following Will Smallbone’s expected release and Shea Charles attracting Leeds United, according to Sainstmarching.com.

The Championship fixtures are out, with Saints opening at Watford, the Vicarage Road match on Sky Sports. They then host Stoke City and Millwall to round off August, and Smallbone has represented both clubs as well as Southampton.

Saints have been planning for midfield changes, working on a deal for Neil to join Tonda Eckert’s squad. The midfielder has left the Europa League-bound Black Cats and is high on Eckert’s wishlist.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United, both recently relegated, have shown interest, but the 24-year-old is close to joining Southampton ahead of the former top-flight pair.

Landing Neil would be a statement as they push for promotion despite a four-point deduction. He has three promotions across Sunderland and Ipswich, plus five goal contributions in 2024/25 as Regis Le Bris’s side returned to the top tier.

Composed on the ball and combative without it, Neil fits the brief to replace Charles. If sealed soon, the move would bolster optimism on the South Coast despite the off-field drama and Spygate.

Source: Sainstmarching.com