The midfielder snubbed Rangers for Ipswich Town in January
Rangers are reportedly ‘closing in’ on the transfer of Sunderland star Dan Neil after failing to sign him in the January window.
The midfielder, who came through the academy ranks at the Stadium of Light, was farmed out to Ipswich Town in January amid Rangers interest. He is however not likely to stay at Portman Road for another season despite helping them get promoted to the Premier League. Frank Lampard Coventry City have also expressed an interest in the 24-year old.
As his 17 years on Wearside comes to an end in the summer, Rangers are set to have another go at trying to sign the free agent. Neil also captained his boyhood club to promotion during the 2024/25 season but struggled for minutes in the big time after a flurry of marquee signings.
Gers ‘closing in’ on Neil
According to the Sun: “Rangers are closing in on a deal for former Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil. He’s out of contract after helping the Tractor Boys win promotion and Gers want to snap him up. Neil made 17 appearances for Ipswich in all during the second half of the campaign as Kieran McKenna’s side clinched the runners-up spot in the Championship.”
Elsewhere, the Ibrox side are looking even closer to home for midfield reinforcements, with Motherwell’s Elliot Watt high on the priority list. The 26-year old, who grew up as a fan of the club is also on manager Danny Rohl’s radar however an official bid is yet to be made.
Why did Neil choose Ipswich over Rangers in January?
After making the short-term switch to the Tractor Boys during the winter, Neil told the Ipswich 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 learnt 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.”
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