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 the permanent signing of Dan Neil on a free when his Sunderland contract ends, raising the prospect of an emotional return to the Stadium of Light with his new club next season.

The midfielder, an Academy of Light product, is 24 and has made nine appearances for loan club Ipswich Town since moving to Portman Road in the final days of the January window. He has started to impress as Kieran McKenna’s side push for an immediate Premier League return.

However, current Championship leaders and title favourites Coventry City are also keen and believe he could help them establish themselves back in the Premier League after a 25-year absence. Frank Lampard’s side sit nine points clear of second placed Middlesbrough with seven games remaining, and hold a sizeable goal difference advantage over Kim Hellberg’s men.

That position has allowed the Sky Blues to plan for next season. They are described as major admirers who could compete with Ipswich to take Neil to the CBS Arena this summer, aided by his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Neil has spoken of his surprise and gratitude for the tributes from Sunderland team-mates and supporters when his January exit was confirmed. He called the decision tough, but said he has made peace with it, proud to have helped restore the club and ready for a new chapter.

Source: Sunderland Echo