Dan Neil close to Sunderland exit as Ipswich loan becomes likely | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Dan Neil is closing on a short-term move to promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town. The midfielder is increasingly thought to have played his last game for Sunderland.

He has struggled for minutes in the Premier League, and Ipswich made a strong weekend push to bolster for the run-in. The move would reunite him with former Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, and Kieran McKenna’s side trail second-placed Middlesbrough by five points with one game less after losing to Sheffield United.

The proposed loan runs to the end of his contract on Wearside, and an extension is now seen as highly unlikely. He could join Ipswich permanently in the summer or move elsewhere, with Rangers and a number of Bundesliga sides interested. A significant permanent bid this month was unlikely, and Sunderland will not stand in his way, though the loan is not yet concluded.

Régis Le Bris said an exit could be possible early this week after Neil was left out of the squad for the 3-1 defeat at West Ham United. He has made 200 appearances and was central to Sunderland’s climb back to the Premier League.

Club captain Luke O’Nien praised Neil’s attitude, saying non-regulars set the culture even when they are not playing. He highlighted Neil’s hard training and influence, and also namechecked Simon Moore, Leo and young players.

Source: Sunderland Echo