Tommy Doyle faces midfield fight as Wolves eye Dan Neil amid West Ham interest | OneFootball

Wolves are pushing on with squad building, and interest in Dan Neil could complicate Tommy Doyle's route to regular minutes. According to Molineux.news, the pursuit may not be welcome as Doyle targets a bigger role next season.

Doyle spent last season on loan at Birmingham City, starting brightly before losing his place. A clause to buy him for £10 million depended on promotion, but Birmingham finished 10th so he is set to return.

Wolves were linked with Neil earlier this summer and that interest has been reiterated today. The midfielder is leaving Sunderland and becoming a free agent, with several clubs in the mix, including West Ham United. Like Wolves, the Hammers are aiming to bounce straight back up at the first attempt.

If Wolves win the race for Neil, Doyle's place becomes a live question because the pair share a similar profile, play in the same roles and are the same age. Doyle has already struggled to displace Joao Gomes and Andre, and before them Mario Lemina. If Cesar Peixoto sticks with his preferred 4-2-3-1, realistically Andre will play every game, leaving one spot.

Squawka's data last season showed little between them. Neil was the more accurate shooter, long passer and aerial dueller, while Doyle completed a higher share of short passes, take-ons and ground duels.

On that basis, Neil's arrival might not be ideal news for Doyle. Even so, he could well be up for the fight, which would suit Peixoto.

Source: Molineux.news