A man who played for both clubs has given his verdict on the Rangers links
Former Rangers striker Kevin Kyle think Gers transfer target Dan Neil would be a ‘great addition’ amid interest of the Sunderland midfielder.
Kyle, who played in the Premier League with the Black Cats himself as a player, has been keeping a keen eye on the 24-year old since he came through the ranks at the Stadium of Light. A boyhood Sunderland fan, Neil captained his side to the Premier League a year ago and has now helped Ipswich Town earn promotion as well during his loan spell. However, upon returning from Portman Road, he is headed for the Sunderland exit door, with Rangers ready to pounce.
The Light Blues were exploring a move for Neil in January but the central midfielder chose Ipswich instead. As his 17 year stay at Sunderland from academy to first team now reaches its conclusion, Rangers can now acquire Neil on a free. Kyle reckons Neil was once the ‘next big thing’ on Wearside but still has time to reach his potential.
Kyle on ‘next big thing’ Neil
Neil also helped Sunderland get promoted from EFL League One in 2022 and has been there since the start of their journey going up the leagues. The only reason manager Regis Le Bris was willing to let him go in January was because he couldn’t guarantee him game time after an influx of signings including Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki. Speaking on Go Radio, Kyle explained why Neil is looking for a move.
He said: “I would go regularly to watch Sunderland three, four times a year. And I remember when Dan Neil broke into the first team, he was the next big thing that the Sunderland fans had expectations for. They got the club through the leagues, was the captain, and then got an opportunity where I don't think he was going to get many games in the Premier League with Sunderland. So he took the move to Ipswich and he's done well at Ipswich.”
Rangers transfer target would be ‘welcome addition’
Gers boss Danny Rohl has highlighted the need to enlist ‘leaders’ in the summer after last season’s capitulation and the club already have Hearts talisman and skipper Lawrence Shankland on board. Should they be successful in their pursuit for Neil, there’d be two former captains in the building.
Kyle continued: “For me, he's a very, very good footballer, and he would be a welcome addition to Rangers. I've always said that. There was talk about maybe a year ago in the same kind of rumours. I think that Dan Neil would be a great addition to Rangers.
“I've seen him up close and he's a hardworking, technical, good midfielder. He would be a good addition for Rangers as well. He's tenacious in the midfield, gets about, keeps things simple. And he was the captain of Sunderland. He took them up through two leagues. So he’s well respected.”
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