Rhein rivals Köln and Borussia Mönchengladbach both interested in Sunderland’s Dan Neil | OneFootball

Sky Germany currently reports that Rhein rivals 1. FC Köln and Borussia Mönchengladbach are both interested in singing Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil on a free transfer. The German Pay TV broadcaster goes so far as to claim that exploratory talks have taken place between Köln and the player’s entourage. 

The 24-year-old – ironically enough due to the arrival of Bundesliga veteran Granit Xhaka – appears to have no future with his academy club and sits on an expiring contract. Köln and Gladbach have different ideas about how to acquire the South Shields native. 

Köln may wish to purchase Neil

With an estimated market value of €6.5m, Neil could fall within the range of the Kölner January transfer budget. Much hinges on whether Germany’s cathedral city side wishes to follow through on the purchase of Austrian defender Stefan Posch, however. Köln’s central defense constitutes a more glaring need and Posch will cost a similar amount. 

Köln’s midfield still requires some urgent assistance thanks to the fact that Isak Bergman Johanneson, Tom Krauß, Eric Martel, and Dennis Huseinbasic are all experiencing form dips. It nevertheless remains the case that the Domstädter probably can’t purchase both Posch and Neil. 

Gladbach aim to acquire Neil on a free

Gladbach still haven’t spent any money on January transfers yet, but remain under financial constraints. It is such that the foals probably will seek to acquire Neil on a free transfer after the season concludes.

Though Gladbach were operating under a different managerial regime last January, previous BMG sporting director Roland Virkus acquired two talents (Kevin Diks and Jens Castop) on frees one year ago.

GGFN | Peter Weis