West Ham have “made enquiries” for Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, according to reports.
Journalist Ben Jacobs claims that the Hammers, Rangers, Coventry City and Sheffield United have been in contact with the Black Cats to register their interest.
Bundesliga side FC Cologne are also said to be contemplating a move for Neil, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
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The 24-year-old has only made three substitute appearances in the Premier League since Sunderland were promoted to the top flight.
Neil played a key role for his hometown club last season, helping them out of the Championship, but the arrival of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen last summer has seriously limited his minutes.
Not only has the Swiss international taken his place in the starting lineup, but he has taken the captain’s armband from him as well.
Neil could be available on the cheap this month
The fact that the midfielder has less than six months left on his contract means that Sunderland will be amenable to letting him go for a cut-price fee before the January transfer window closes.
Considering that the Irons have a limited transfer budget, recruiting Neil for a low price would be seen as a cost-effective solution to strengthen Nuno’s options in midfield.
West Ham are looking at other midfielders
Reports have also linked the Irons with the likes of Al-Ittihad’s N’Golo Kante, Monaco’s Eric Dier and Metz’s Alpha Toure over the past few days.
It does appear as if Nuno wants another midfielder, but it remains to be seen whether Neil is deemed the top target. Based on his lack of game time this campaign, though, it does seem as if he will be on the move this month no matter what.
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