West Ham set sights on signing ‘massive David Moyes favourite’ – sources
West Ham United are big admirers of Sunderland’s Dan Neil and will go toe-to-toe with David Moyes’ Everton for his signature, sources have told Football Insider.
Neil’s form and captaincy of Sunderland this season has them well-placed to seal promotion back to the Premier League after eight years, with a Championship play-off spot all-but secured for the Black Cats.
Seen as one of the best midfielders outside the top-flight in the mould of Jordan Henderson, 23-year-old Neil is wanted by Everton this summer, and Moyes’ chances of signing him could yet be boosted.
However, sources have told Football Insider that Sunderland may be forced into selling Neil if they don’t seal promotion, and with his contract expiring in 2026, West Ham have been alerted to his availability.
The Hammers are big admirers of Neil, who is a “massive favourite” of Moyes, with Sunderland bracing themselves for ample bids from Premier League teams if they remain in the Championship next term.
Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 3 April that West Ham are ready to submit a formal offer for Rigg, kicking off a hotly-contested transfer battle.
West Ham want Neil to be next Championship success
With Moyes making huge strides at Everton since his acrimonious departure from West Ham last May, the Scot has helped move the Toffees forward, while the Hammers have only stagnated in the year since.
However, looking down to the Championship has been a successful policy for West Ham in recent years, with Jarrod Bowen becoming one of the best players in their history since his move from Hull City.
Moyes may take much of the credit for plucking Bowen from the second-tier back in 2020, but Potter will also be keen to get the best out of Crysencio Summerville, despite his signing not going to plan so far.
Graham Potter’s West Ham a perfect fit for Dan Neil
Despite interest from fellow big-hitters Spurs and Everton – who have the Moyes factor on their side – it’s seemingly West Ham who lead the race to sign Rigg with Sunderland remaining reluctant to sell.
Sources told Football Insider on 30 March that Spurs are yet to submit a formal proposal to Sunderland for the 23-year-old, leaving West Ham in the driving seat to secure his signature this summer.
Football Insider also revealed that Carlos Soler’s loan spell at the London Stadium is unlikely to become a permanent one at season’s end, opening up a spot in midfield which Potter will see Rigg as the ideal candidate to fill.