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

Dan Neil is attracting interest from Coventry City and Ipswich Town as he enters the final months of his Sunderland contract, with a free move possible this summer.

According to Sunderland Echo, Coventry are ‘ready to fight’ Ipswich for a permanent deal when his Black Cats terms expire at the end of the season, which could set up an emotional Wearside reunion.

Neil has made nine appearances for loan club Ipswich since arriving in the final 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.

The report said Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, are the current Championship leaders and title favourites, nine points clear of second-placed Middlesbrough with seven games left, and holding a healthy goal-difference advantage over Kim Hellberg’s men. They believe the 24-year-old could help them establish themselves back in the Premier League after 25 years away.

With that cushion, the Sky Blues are planning for next season and are described as major admirers, with Neil’s impending free-agent status increasing the appeal as they look to lure him to the CBS Arena.

Neil has spoken of his surprise and gratitude for tributes from team-mates and supporters after his January departure, calling it a tough decision he has made peace with while reflecting on playing a big part in Sunderland’s recent progress.

Source: Sunderland Echo