Two Championship clubs ‘ready to fight’ for Dan Neil after emotional Sunderland departure | OneFootball

Sunderland Echo reports that Coventry City are ‘ready to fight’ Ipswich Town for Dan Neil, with the midfielder nearing the end of his Sunderland contract and a free move possible this summer. A switch could bring an emotional return to the Stadium of Light with a new club next season.

Neil, an Academy of Light graduate, has made nine appearances for Ipswich since joining on loan in the final days of the January window. He has impressed as Kieran McKenna’s side chase an immediate return to the Premier League.

Coventry are described as current Championship leaders and title favourites who believe the 24-year-old could help them re-establish themselves in the top flight after 25 years. Frank Lampard’s side are nine points clear of second-placed Middlesbrough with seven games left and hold a sizeable goal-difference advantage over Kim Hellberg’s men.

With that cushion, the Sky Blues have started planning for next season and are said to be major admirers of Neil. Their interest is strengthened by his contract expiring at season’s end.

Neil has said he was grateful and surprised by the tributes from Sunderland team-mates and supporters as his time at his boyhood club ended in January. He called it a tough decision but one he has accepted, noting pride at helping get the club back to where he felt it belonged. He added that this season has been different, Sunderland are still doing well, and he is focused on a new chapter.

Source: Sunderland Echo