Rangers close in on Dan Neil transfer as latest hurdle set to be overcome
Rangers are growing increasingly closer to getting their move for departing Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil over the line on a free transfer.
That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who has backed the 24-year-old to fill the leadership void that has been left at Ibrox by James Tavernier’s exit.
Sunderland confirmed that their promotion-winning captain will leave them upon the expiry of his contract this summer, and that has ramped up speculation that Rangers could be about to bring him in.
Premier League interest has emerged in the form of Hull City, but Wyness is still backing the Light Blues to get the deal done and feels that Neil would benefit from a move to Glasgow.
The Black Cats’ academy product helped lead his boyhood club back to the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign, but has been back on loan in the Championship with Ipswich Town in recent months.
Rangers tried and failed to sign the midfielder back in January, but Wyness believes it will be a different story this time around.
Dan Neil to provide ‘exactly what Rangers need’
Aberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs – believes that Neil would be a perfect fit for Danny Rohl’s squad this summer.
The German is looking to add strength to his group across the board ahead of next term, and Wyness thinks that Neil would be an excellent long-term addition.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Scottish businessman emphasised that he still expects Neil’s move to Ibrox to get done, despite Hull’s interest posing a threat.
“To me, he is the perfect replacement for Tavernier. He left (Sunderland) under a bit of a cloud, but nevertheless, I think he is great,” Wyness said.
“He's an ex-captain at Sunderland, so he's got that personality and leadership experience. I think he's exactly what Rangers need.
“I expect it to get done. I think he could be a Rangers star of the future going forward as well. He was a bit unlucky at Sunderland as to why he didn't push on, but there's certainly talent there, and I think he could be a good long-term signing for Rangers.
“He'll do very well in the Scottish Premiership. There is Premier League interest, but I think if he's smart, Rangers could be the right move for him.”
Rangers move 'appealing' for Neil
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that a move to Rangers will be "appealing" for Neil this summer.
The ex-recruitment man acknowledged the financial constraints of the Scottish Premiership, but stressed that the chance to play European football could be a decisive factor.
Brown also added that the chance to compete for trophies and rebuild a club is likely to grab Neil's attention, given what he previously achieved at Sunderland.
The chance to stay in the Premier League is also an attractive proposition, but Brown feels that a switch to Ibrox would provide greater benefits.