Sheffield United, Rangers and West Ham face Dan Neil challenge as Ipswich Town 'push' for Sunderland man
Ipswich Town are reportedly pushing hard to beat Sheffield United to the signing of Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.
The 24-year-old has spent the entirety of his senior career with the Black Cats, helping his boyhood club rise from League One to the Premier League.
However, while Sunderland have soared up the Premier League table, Neil has found himself consigned to the fringes.
His bit-part role has fuelled talk of a January move and Sheffield United are among those to have been linked.
Scottish giants Rangers and Premier League strugglers West Ham United have also been credited with interest, although neither appear to be in pole position.
Dan Neil latest
According to the Daily Record, Ipswich are pushing hard to sign the England youth international.
The Tractor Boys are said to have barged their way to the front of the queue as they look to boost their chances of promotion from the Championship.
With every report of rival interest, Sheffield United’s chances of landing the former England youth international look slimmer.
However, Neil is not the only midfielder believed to be of interest to the Blades. The South Yorkshire club have been reported as admirers of Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, who could leave the Bees before the window closes.
Chris Wilder on potential Sheffield United business
Earlier this month, regarding transfer business, Blades boss Chris Wilder said: “We'd like to bring a couple of players into the group, as I've said all along and been consistent with, to improve us for the second part of the season.
"I can't commit to names and speculation. We could sit here for the next 10-15 minutes and just go through the ‘dance’, but that's how it is.
"But, as I've always said, until they've got a Sheffield United shirt on and a scarf around their neck... Honestly, we've lost so many players and we do through situations where people catch onto stuff. We have to work so hard right the way through it.”