Dan Neil ‘close’ to Sunderland exit as Rangers transfer decision hits fast track after Danny Rohl message
Sunderland’s Dan Neil (Image: SNS Group)
Dan Neil looks to be inching closer to a move away from Sunderland with Rangers among the interested clubs.
It has been a busy window so far for the Light Blues with the arrival of Andreas Skov Olsen last week the third new face in the door with the clock ticking closer to the February 2 deadline. Midfielder Neil is on the Ibrox agenda after he entered the final six months of his contract at the Stadium of Light with the Rangers said to be ready to make a move.
Reports suggest FC Koln and a host of English Championship teams are also chasing the 24-year-old – and he now faces quick-fire call on his future. The Telegraph report that Neil has been left of the squad for Saturday’s game with West Ham with a move on the cards.
After captaining The Black Cats to promotion last season, the Neil has made just four appearances this term. Boss Regis Le Bris hasn’t been shy in admitting that the Premier League side won’t close the door on any of their fringe men leaving the club – if the right offer comes in.
Speaking ahead of the clash with The Hammers, Le Bris said on the prospect of fringe players leaving the club: “It’s always a balance. On Saturday, maybe one of those players will have an opportunity and then it’s a switch.
“You never know. I appreciate the connection with them, it’s always open and clear with a strong level of confidence with their agents, with the sporting directors and me.”
He insisted that Neil – or any of his teammates – had requested to leave the club at this stage.
He said: “No, it hasn’t been the case so far. The connection is really respectful.
“Even if they don’t have game-time, they know they are still important in the dressing room and to the training dynamic. And I think they like the club.
“Sometimes it’s because they have strong history with the club or because the atmosphere is really positive.
“So you know what you are leaving. It could be more positive [if they were playing] but it’s still a good place to enjoy your career.”
Speaking on Friday, Ibrox boss Rohl sent a clear message about the profile of the recruits he was eyeing before the end of transfer season.
He said: “I think it’s generally not about the name, it’s about how he can help us.
“The first three signings, you see it really in the training group at the moment, how we increase our level also with them, they give us something extra, they push the other players around, I think it’s fantastic to see how the group is growing.
“And maybe we can find some more players to help us, and if not, we carry on with this group because they make a fantastic job so far.”
