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

Coventry City are 'ready to fight' Ipswich Town for Dan Neil as the Sunderland midfielder nears the end of his deal. According to Sunderland Echo, both promotion contenders want him on a free this summer, which could bring him back to the Stadium of Light with a new club.

Neil has made nine appearances for loan club Ipswich since a late January move. He has impressed under Kieran McKenna as they chase an immediate top-flight return.

Coventry, the leaders and title favourites, are also keen and are said to believe the 24-year-old could help them re-establish in the Premier League after 25 years away. Frank Lampard's side are nine points clear of second-placed Middlesbrough with seven games left and hold a healthy goal difference advantage over Kim Hellberg's men.

With planning under way, the Sky Blues are prepared to challenge Ipswich for his signature at the CBS Arena. He will be out of contract at season's end, which adds to the appeal for suitors who rate him highly.

Neil has said he was grateful and surprised by tributes from Sunderland team-mates and supporters when he left in January. He values the respect of colleagues, admits the choice was tough but says he is at peace with it, and sees this as a new chapter after helping take the club back to where he felt it belonged.

Source: Sunderland Echo