Rangers to go all out for Dan Neil amid talks for Sunderland free transfer
Rangers are surely preparing to step up their interest in Dan Neil in the next few days.
The midfielder has fallen out of favour at Sunderland after their promotion to the Premier League, and a move to the Scottish Premiership could be the perfect way out for him in January.
Rangers have already registered their interest in Neil, with enquiries being submitted for both him and winger Romaine Mundle in recent days.
Neil was a vital part of the Black Cats’ promotion-winning side in the Championship last term, and he has been identified by Danny Rohl and Co. as a player who can come in and make a difference, but time is of the essence if they are to strike a deal.
FC Koln talks for Dan Neil to spark Rangers acceleration
Neil’s exit at Sunderland has looked increasingly likely over recent months, as he has still played just 13 minutes of Premier League football since the start of the season.
The North East outfit added the likes of Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki to their midfield ranks in the summer, and the performances of that impressive duo have kept Neil firmly on the fringes of Regis Le Bris’ squad.
Neil is out of contract with his boyhood club in the summer, and is now highly likely to step away from Sunderland for the first time in the next few months.
Bundesliga side Koln have already held initial talks regarding the possibility of signing him on a free transfer in the summer, according to journalist Patrick Berger via his X account.
Lukas Kwasniok’s side have already got the 24-year-old on their shortlist, and have the crucial advantage that they would be able to seal that deal on a pre-contract agreement this month.
With that in mind, news of their discussions with Neil’s camp will surely provide Rangers with a glaring indication that they need to accelerate their interest immediately if they want to land the player.
Rohl and Co. will need to go all out if they want to strike a deal, as it has quickly become clear that Neil has several options available to him in terms of his next move.
Mohamed Diomande’s future to be sealed by Neil transfer
Rangers fans have been frustrated with Mohamed Diomande’s performances at times this season, as the Ivorian has struggled to find consistency once again.
The Gers are badly in need of a solid anchor at the base of their midfield to allow the adventurous Nicolas Raskin to get forward and affect games, and Neil could be the ideal man for the job.
Diomande has been fulfilling that role of late but to mixed effect, and his place at Ibrox would surely come under serious threat if Neil walked through the door.
The 24-year-old has shown flashes of excellence in the two-and-a-half years since his move from Nordsjaelland, but those glimpses of quality have been far too infrequent for the fans’ liking.
The possibility of an upgrade is now on the cards for Rangers, and they would be foolish to miss out on the opportunity.