Everton get ‘massive boost’ in bid to sign ‘next Jordan Henderson’
Dan Neil’s contractual situation at Sunderland could pave the way for a move to Everton this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Neil has captained Sunderland to the upper echelons of the Championship table this season and is seen as one of the best midfielders outside the Premier League and in the mould of Black Cats product and Liverpool legend Jordan Henderson.
Sunderland’s failure to win promotion this term – with the play-offs beckoning – could see Neil follow a similar path to that of Henderson, who made a big-money move to Anfield in the summer of 2011.
Sources say that would be a “massive boost” for Everton, who are keeping close tabs on the player.
Everton’s interest in the 23-year-old is long-standing, having mulled over the prospect of signing Neil in January, before settling on Carlos Alcaraz instead as the best option to strengthen David Moyes’ side.
Under Dan Friedkin’s ownership, Everton plan to make Alcaraz’s loan move from Flamengo permanent this summer, but sources have told Football Insider that Neil remains near the top of their wishlist.
With his contract set to expire in 2026 and Sunderland having no guarantee of going up to the Premier League, the Black Cats could be forced to sell Neil in the coming months if they can’t agree a new deal.
David Moyes ready to repeat past successes with Dan Neil move
Sources have told Football Insider that Sunderland are bracing themselves for interest and offers coming Neil’s way this summer, with West Ham also being big admirers of the versatile midfielder.
Neil, however, may be swayed Everton’s way thanks to the track record Moyes has – at both the Toffees and West Ham – of developing players signed from the Championship, with Tim Cahill a clear example.
Cahill became a legend at Goodison Park after signing from Millwall in 2004, while Jarrod Bowen has arguably become one of the best players in the Premier League since West Ham bought him from Hull.
Everton in Dan Neil driving seat ahead of summer transfer spree
The Friedkin Group’s December takeover, coupled with Everton moving into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, could give Moyes the perfect platform to oversee a long-overdue rebuild.
While Moyes’ first priority will be keeping hold of Jarrad Branthwaite amid interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, Everton have plenty of positions to address regardless of if he stays put.
Football Insider have revealed that another player who has shone in the Championship this season, Liverpool loanee Ben Doak, is also on Everton’s radar, and with Neil also on their radar, it’s clear that Moyes is looking to find the next Cahill or Bowen on Merseyside.