Southampton ‘move ahead’ for Dan Neil as Rennes ‘make progress’ on Eliezer Mayenda | OneFootball

Southampton have moved ahead for Dan Neil, with advanced talks to sign the 24-year-old reported by Sky Sports.

Neil left Sunderland on loan to Ipswich Town in January and helped seal promotion on the final day. He is set to become a free agent next week when his Sunderland contract expires, with Rangers initially seen as frontrunners.

Wolves and West Ham also hold interest, though Southampton are viewed as the most likely destination for the academy graduate, who won two promotions with his boyhood club.

Last season Southampton recovered under Tonda Eckert to reach the play-offs, then were expelled after admitting to spying on Middlesbrough before the semi-final and on two other opponents. The club have kept faith with Eckert and are preparing for a promotion push, while he is thought to remain under FA investigation.

Ouest France reports Stade Rennais have made progress in talks for the 21-year-old forward Eliezer Mayenda after renewing Esteban Lepaul, Ligue 1’s top scorer last season. Rennes will play in the Europa League and are seen as one of the division’s most ambitious clubs. Mayenda is open to leaving after spending much of last season as third choice on Wearside.

It is not yet clear whether a loan or permanent deal is being discussed, though Mayenda is thought to prefer a permanent move. Signed for under a million pounds, he could still earn Sunderland a significant profit and improve their position under the new SCR rules.

Source: Sunderland Echo