Why Dan Neil snubbed Rangers, Sheffield United for Ipswich Town - Kieran McKenna will love this | OneFootball

Dan Neil has revealed why he has joined Ipswich Town on loan from Sunderland, amid rival interest from Rangers and Sheffield United.

Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has revealed why he has joined Ipswich Town on loan amid rival interest from Sheffield United and Rangers.

Neil played an instrumental role in the Black Cats' rise from League One back to the Premier League, but has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light this term.

The Sunderland academy graduate made 48 appearances across all competitions for the North East outfit last season, notching two goals and three assists.

He is now eager to hit the ground running in the Championship once again, this time with Ipswich, having been handed just three Premier League outings by Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris.

Kieran McKenna will be thrilled by Dan Neil's first words as an Ipswich Town player

Kieran McKenna's Ipswich are plotting an immediate Premier League return, so acquiring Neil, who won promotion with Sunderland last term, could prove to be a shrewd piece of business from the Tractor Boys.

After agreeing terms with McKenna's side, Neil told Town's official club website: "I’ve been at Sunderland for a very long time, and it was an unbelievable chapter in my life and career, but I’m ready for the next chapter now. After a lot of thought, it was clear Ipswich would be the perfect fit for that.

"The way the manager wants to play football and the way I like to play is the same, basically, and it’s a great fit for me to keep developing as a player while hopefully also achieving some success here.

"I’m a central midfielder who likes to get on the ball and tries to dictate games as much as I can. But I’ve also learned over the years that the out-of-possession stuff is just as important, especially in this division. I’m vocal in terms of organising the team, and those are probably my main qualities.

"I can’t wait to get started."

Those comments from the 24-year-old will thrill McKenna, as the pair are clearly already on the same page in terms of playing style, and Neil's leadership qualities could make a real difference as the Tractor Boys vie to beat Middlesbrough in the race for an automatic promotion spot.

The midfielder's move from the Stadium of Light to Portman Road will also see him link up with his former Sunderland teammate Jack Clarke.

Clarke has already been a key figure for McKenna's men this season, scoring 11 goals and producing one assist in 28 Championship appearances, while playing alongside Neil once again should help him continue his rich vein of form.

Dan Neil could be the perfect addition for Kieran McKenna

McKenna's Ipswich squad is already blessed with some of the Championship's finest talent, from former Burnley and West Brom defender Dara O'Shea to prolific winger Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

The Tractor Boys also boast the sort of strength in depth which is the envy of most of their second-tier opponents, meaning that only high-calibre players can strengthen their promotion bid.

Neil's previous promotion-winning exploits for Sunderland prove that he has what it takes to help his new club in their quest to return to the Premier League.

As per FotMob, the 24-year-old won 208 duels in the Championship last term, as well as completing 1,612 successful passes, showing his class both in and out of possession.