Rangers deal to sign Dan Neil faces hijack as transfer 'worry' detailed
Rangers have been keen to land the 24-year-old, who has become a free agent after leaving Sunderland following a short loan spell with Ipswich Town.
However, his experience in the EFL despite his age has placed a number of Championship sides on alert, and they could make a move to beat Gers to a deal.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Rangers could miss out on key targets including Neil after another disappointing season.
The midfielder is expected to weigh up his options, and while a move to Ibrox will prove tempting, there is a growing chance he could stay in England.
Could Rangers make a move to sign Dan Neil?
Football Insider revealed in April that Rangers are targeting talented younger players to refresh their squad ahead of the summer transfer window.
At 24 years old, Neil fits that bill, and his over 200 appearances for Sunderland during which he captained the side mean he ranks highly for Rangers.
However, those assets are also being sought after by clubs in England, who could tempt him to remain down south with Premier League aspirations.
"It might not be a straightforward deal for Rangers," Brown told Football Insider.
"Whenever a player like that becomes available on a free transfer, there is going to be interest, so Rangers won't be the only ones looking at him.
"There are a lot of Championship clubs who could do with a player like that, with his leadership and experience, especially without having to pay a transfer fee.
"He's going to have a lot of options to choose from, and that makes it difficult for any club to get a deal over the line.
"For Rangers, they know they're going to struggle this summer, and I'm worried about them and how they're going to attract top players after finishing third.
"It's difficult enough to lure players up to Scotland at the moment, but after a poor season, there might be a few questions asked.
"If a club from England comes in with aspirations of reaching the Premier League, there's every chance they could beat Rangers to the deal."
Which other clubs could come in for Neil?
Rangers' interest in the midfielder comes following his availability as a free agent, but a number of English clubs have been aware of his talents long before now.
Championship clubs and even some in the Premier League have been aware of his situation, and some made moves for him during the mid-season window.
Football Insider first revealed in January that Neil had been told to leave Sunderland, placing a number of top clubs in the Premier League and abroad on alert.
West Ham are believed to be long-term admirers of the midfielder, having considered a mid-season deal before looking elsewhere, as Neil ended up at Ipswich.
Despite his lack of involvement at Premier League level after the Black Cats refreshed their squad, his Championship displays have attracted high-profile interest.