Sheffield United and Rangers target Dan Neil latest as club 'steal march' in race for Sunderland midfielder
Rangers have reportedly stolen a march on Sheffield United in the race to sign Dan Neil from Sunderland.
A product of the Black Cats academy, Neil has enjoyed a fairytale first chapter of his career. He has helped his boyhood club ascend from League One to the Premier League, making over 200 appearances along the way.
The 24-year-old has mostly been consigned to the bench this term, fuelling talk of a potential January move.
Sheffield United, a club seemingly intent on bolstering their midfield, have been linked with the former England youth international.
Dan Neil latest
However, according to The Star, Rangers have pushed ahead of Sheffield United in the race to land the midfielder.
A move to Ibrox would see Neil link up with Danny Rohl, who previously managed on the blue side of the Steel City as Sheffield Wednesday boss.
There could be some benefit for Sheffield United if Neil heads to Rangers, as it could potentially allow Joe Rothwell to seal an exit.
The former Leeds United loanee has fallen out of favour at Ibrox and has been strongly linked with the Blades. However, it is currently unclear what will materialise before the transfer window closes on February 2.
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Sheffield United have also been linked with Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, a player thought to have a number of admirers.
There has also been talk of interest in Aston Villa’s Ross Barkley, although it has since been suggested the midfielder may stay in the Premier League.
Blades boss Chris Wilder has been brutally honest regarding the club’s need to recruit but striking deals in the mid-season window is rarely easy to do.
Earlier this month, he 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.”