Coventry City ‘to fight’ Ipswich for Dan Neil after Sunderland exit | OneFootball

Dan Neil is reportedly attracting interest from two Championship clubs as his Sunderland contract enters its final months.

According to Sunderland Echo, Coventry City are ‘ready to fight’ Ipswich Town for the permanent signing of the Academy of Light midfielder on a free when his deal ends this season. Such a move could bring an emotional return to the Stadium of Light with a new club next term.

Neil has made nine appearances for loan club Ipswich since joining in the closing days of the January window, and has begun to impress as Kieran McKenna’s side push for a top-flight return at the first attempt.

Coventry, described as current Championship leaders and title favourites under Frank Lampard, are nine points clear of second-placed Middlesbrough with seven games remaining and hold a healthy goal-difference buffer over Kim Hellberg’s men. The Sky Blues are planning for next season and are said to admire Neil, believing he could help them re-establish themselves in the Premier League after 25 years away.

Reflecting on his January exit, Neil said he had been touched by tributes from team-mates and supporters, and especially valued praise from colleagues. He admitted leaving his boyhood club was difficult but feels at peace with the decision, proud to have played a major part in taking Sunderland back to where he felt it belonged. He called this a new chapter.

Source: Sunderland Echo