A new transfer update for Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has emerged, with links to Championship clubs Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion.

According to a report from Football Insider on Wednesday morning, the Black Cats may allow a ‘cut-price’ exit for the indigenous midfielder, as the Sky Blues and Baggies face competition from Scottish Premiership heavyweights Rangers in this specific recruitment battle.

Neil was an important part of Sunderland’s rise back up the English footballing pyramid between 2022 and 2026, with Regis Le Bris’ side subsequently enjoying a successful return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence, having spent a record-breaking amount of money on a newly promoted side in an attempt to re-establish their position.

As a result, the 24-year-old has finding it incredibly difficult to get into the Frenchman’s plans, with the North East club bringing in a lot of top-level midfield experience with the eye-catching signing of former Arsenal player and Switzerland international captain Granit Xhaka.

The form of the veteran midfielder and his midfield colleagues has cast doubt on Neil’s and previous Championship and League One stalwart Luke O’Nein’s futures at the Stadium of Light, with a slew of clubs looking to capitalise on their current positions.

At the moment, Coventry might be one of three clubs in the same division as the team that defeated them dramatically in last season’s play-off semi-finals, since they currently top the second tier despite only two wins in their last eight games.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen what business West Brom may conduct in the transfer window, with first ties to Neil emerging prior to Ryan Mason’s sacking on January 6th, with former Manchester United and Chelsea coach Eric Ramsay now in charge at The Hawthorns.

Fresh Sunderland, Dan Neil transfer update surfaces amid interest from Coventry City and West Brom

Alan Nixon initially reported the aforementioned Championship teams’ interest in Neil last month, as they were ready to compete for the South Shields native with divisional and Midlands foe Leicester City.

At the start of the transfer window, Sky Sports reported that Rangers are also interested in signing Neil and his Black Cats colleague, Romaine Mundle, who has also struggled for game time since they defeated Sheffield United in last season’s Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

The Light Blues have been transformed in terms of recent results under the former Sheffield Wednesday manager since his October appointment in place of Russell Martin, and are now only a few points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, having recently overtaken bitter Old Firm rivals Celtic in the standings following a run of five consecutive victories, including a 3-1 victory at Parkhead on January 3rd.

Neil has since emerged as a transfer target for Bundesliga side FC Koln, as well as other German-based sides, with his contract at the Stadium of Light set to expire in June, having signed his most recent contract extension in March 2023, during Sunderland’s first Championship campaign since 2017/18.

According to Football Insider, Neil’s contract status may lead to a ‘cut-price’ agreement for any of the aforementioned suitors attempting to entice him to their respective ventures.

According to reports, the Black Cats are willing to part ways with their academy graduate if a sufficient offer is made, with the current window representing the North East club’s final opportunity to profit from Neil unless a drastic change of events occurs in the coming months.

While “intense competition” is expected, Neil is reportedly hesitant to move on, despite making only four Premier League and EFL Cup appearances this season.

Coventry City and West Brom may find the Dan Neil deal difficult to pursue, despite the ‘cut-price’ claim.

Despite Sunderland’s desire to raise funds, Neil’s apparent stance puts his current employers and any suitors in a difficult position.

At this moment, Coventry and West Brom may find a deal difficult to pursue, but the Sky Blues might offer the former England youth international a rapid return to the top flight if they address their recent poor and begin to pull away from the pursuing pack once more.

Rangers may return to Europe next season, which is a completely new and thrilling proposition for many players, as not everyone can say they have played against some of the continent’s best teams and players.