Rangers have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil this month, according to reports.
The Ibrox side are looking to bring in a new midfielder to Danny Rohl’s squad before the transfer deadline and have identified Neil as a target.
Talks are believed to be ongoing regarding the 24-year-old’s move to Scotland, with Sunderland open to Neil’s departure this month amid his limited involvement under manager Regis Le Bris.
The midfielder has only played 13 minutes of Premier League football this season, with his only start coming in the League Cup in August.
Rangers Leading Race for Dan Neil
According to The Star, Rangers have stolen a march on Championship side Sheffield United in the race to sign Neil this month, with the midfielder expected to leave Sunderland before the transfer deadline on February 2.
Neil has not travelled with his Sunderland teammates for their clash with West Ham on Saturday, missing the matchday squad for the first time this campaign.
The midfielder has only appeared once for the Black Cats since the start of November, coming off the bench in the 3-0 loss to Brentford earlier this month.
Sunderland are only expected to let Neil depart on a permanent transfer as they already have six players loaned out and do not have any remaining international loan slots available.
Neil is likely to be available on a cut-price deal as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The ‘phenomenal’ 24-year-old played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion campaign last term, making 47 appearances in the Championship and registering five goal involvements.
Who Else Could Rangers Sign in January?
After completing the signings of left-back Tuur Rommens and wingers Tochi Chukwuani and Andreas Skov Olsen, Rangers appear to show no signs of slowing down in the market.
According to reports, the Ibrox side could make room for a new midfielder by offloading Kieran Dowell and Joe Rothwell, while Danilo could also be sold in favour of a new arrival up front.
Rangers appear to be targeting another full-back signing as well, with a bid reportedly being prepared for Sheffield Wednesday right-back Yan Valery, whom head coach Danny Rohl knows well from his time at Hillsborough.