Coventry City: Ipswich Town transfer hijack involving Sunderland doesn't 'make much sense' | OneFootball

Coventry City and Ipswich Town could both look to sign Dan Neil from Sunderland on a free transfer this summer...

Ipswich Town signed Dan Neil from Sunderland on loan in January, with Coventry City now keen on the midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.

It effectively spells the end for Dan Neil's career at his boyhood club, with his Stadium of Light contract expiring in June. That perhaps explains why Coventry City have an interest in the Sunderland midfielder.

Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Coventry are in the hunt to sign Neil again, having been keen on the 24-year-old in January. Frank Lampard's side are set to make it to the Premier League but numerous new faces will be required.

That said, Neil does not have much experience of the top flight. He has 184 league appearances in his career thus far, with three coming in the Premier League, 41 in League One, and 140 in the Championship for Sunderland and Ipswich Town.

Coventry City could rival Ipswich Town for Sunderland's Dan Neil

Football League World's Coventry fan pundit Chris has provided his thoughts on the idea of signing Neil as a free agent. We asked if Cov should try and beat the Tractor Boys to the signing or if Doug King can be more ambitious as the Premier League edges closer.

He responded: "I like Dan Neil a lot. He's a very good player and he was incredibly important for Sunderland last season in helping them get promoted to the Premier League.

"If you'd have asked me this question a few months ago — early January — I'd have said absolutely yes. I saw his name was being floated around and he was going to move. He was linked to u a little bit and I was well up for it.

"I thought he would be a brilliant addition and he would go straight into the starting lineup. But, at this point, if and when we do get promoted to the Premier League in the next few weeks — even with a squad reshuffle and us having to let players go and in hoping to bring in some good experienced players — I don't think Neil gets off our bench.

"I don't think he does that in the Premier League. That's not an insult to him in any way. I think it would be the same for Ipswich [Town] if they go up with us. I don't think they'll be looking to keep him on a permanent.

"He's a great little player to sign for free — don't get me wrong. If he's not on crazy wages, it would not be the worst thing in the world. But it wouldn't be terrible to have him in and around the squad. However, Sunderland got promoted and he made three appearances for them in the Premier League.

"So, you know, a team, a club, and manager who know him so well — and he was so pivotal to helping them get there — and they immediately recognised that he wasn't good enough for the Premier League. I don't think it makes much sense for us to sign him,

"He'd just be taking up a squad number and taking up wages. And I don't think our wage bill is going to be massively higher than it is this season. We've got to be shrewd in our transfer dealings in the summer. I get the feeling he's going to be one of those super team players.

"I think he's always going to be around the top of the Championship — helping teams push for promotion, helping teams push for the play-offs. But I think he's always going to be back down once he gets them there. A bit of an Adam Armstrong — a player who is more than good enough for the Championship. But, for whatever reason, can't make it in the Premier League."

Coventry City have to consider Dan Neil issue in the Premier League

Neil is a midfielder who thrives in terms of press-resistance, control, and composure at the base of midfield. His biggest strength is his ability to dictate tempo — he constantly shows for the ball, rarely panics under pressure, and keeps play ticking with sharp and efficient passing.

The other area he is strong is positionally; he’s disciplined and reads the game well to intercept passes and offer protection to the back line. What makes him particularly suited to a deeper role is his awareness. He scans constantly, takes up smart angles, and ensures he’s always available as an outlet.

All of this allows his team to build play with structure and patience, helping him to be an orchestrator in a double-pivot or as a lone number six. However, there are limitations for Coventry to consider. Physically, he lacks the size and power that Premier League midfielders often need to dominate duels and cover ground at the highest intensity.

While his technical quality is clear, he can be overrun against stronger opposition. As such, as Chris states, his ceiling likely sits in the Championship. As a squad player, he could be enough in the top flight, but at this level, where his intelligence and control can shine, he has all the tools to consistently dictate games.