Sheffield United backed to seal 'brilliant' Sunderland transfer | OneFootball

Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil this January

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Under Chris Wilder, Sheffield United are looking to rescue their season and push for a place in the top-six this campaign, and have been linked with Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil to help in those efforts.

It hasn't exactly gone to plan for Sheffield United this season, though with Chris Wilder back at the helm, things are looking up.

The Blades remain some way off the play-off place, but their form and performances have seen a huge improvement since Wilder replaced Ruben Sells at Bramall Lane, with a top-six finish well within their sights.

Ki-Jana Hoever has been the first addition to South Yorkshire this winter, with the wing-back signing on loan from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers for the remainder of the campaign, but they seemingly aren't done there.

As per the Football League World exclusive, the Blades have joined the likes of Coventry City, West Brom, and FC Koln in the race for the South Shields native, whose game time has taken a drastic hit since the Black Cats' promotion to the Premier League last season.

Dan Neil would provide 'good competition' and 'insurance policy' at Sheffield United

Football League World's Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy, has shared their views on whether Neil would be a good addition to the Blades ranks, and whether another midfielder is necessary given their current crop of options.

Jimmy said, "I think Dan Neil will be a brilliant signing for Sheffield United."He doesn't automatically walk into the 11. As you say, we've got Jairo Riedewald, Ollie Arblaster and Sydie Peck there competing, but from there, there's quite a bit of a drop-off."I think Ollie Arblaster and Sydie Peck will be competing for the number eight role, Dan Neil will be good competition for the number six with Jairo Riedewald."It allows rest for both players, it's a great insurance policy, it's good competition."I think he'd be a really shrewd signing because, from there, you're looking at players like Soumare, who's been very hot and cold, Tom Davies, who, whilst a good player at the level, is never available, unfortunately, and Matos looks like he's on his way out, either on loan or even permanently coming in as part of that Ruben Selles recruitment."So, yeah, Dan Neil, it's a big thumbs up from a lot of Blades, I think."

Dan Neil could prove to be an excellent addition for Sheffield United, Chris Wilder

Neil, whose contract at The Stadium of Light is due to expire at the end of the season, played a pivotal role in Sunderland's promotion last campaign, making 44 Championship appearances, plus three in the play-offs, as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley.

But since the arrivals of the likes of Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka, and Habib Diarra, Neil's game time has taken a huge hit, playing just 13 minutes of top-flight football this season so far, though appearing in every single matchday squad.

Despite coming through the club's academy and growing up a Sunderland supporter, Neil will likely be frustrated with his lack of minutes this campaign and may be forced to leave the club this winter to not spend the entire season on the bench.

Sheffield United can boast the likes of Ollie Arblaster, Sydie Peck, and Djibril Soumare in the midfield, though with Arblaster's persistent injury woes and Soumare only on loan, a new body in the centre of the park at Bramall Lane may not be the worst idea.

Neil would certainly add another level to Sheffield United's side; at the very least, some depth, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Sunderland may be resigned to letting him go for next to nothing.

If the Blades can get this one over the line and fend off interest elsewhere, they must surely be taken as serious contenders to break into the top six before the season is over.