West Ham United is looking to bolster its roster with players who have experience in the Championship. They are now reportedly interested in Dan Neil.
Keith Downie of Sky Sports posted on X: "Southampton are in advanced talks with midfielder Dan Neil. The free agent midfielder is high on Tonda Eckert’s wish list, and is close to signing. There’s also interest in the 24-year-old from Wolves & West Ham, who has his pick of top Championship clubs."
Neil was on loan at Ipswich Town from Sunderland for the second half of last season. He helped them earn promotion as runners-up in the Championship to Coventry City. In the campaign prior, he starred for Sunderland in the division as they were promoted via the playoffs. However, he only played three Premier League games for the Black Cats before being sent to Ipswich.
The Championship appears to be his level. Neil has now made a combined 147 appearances in the division for Sunderland and Ipswich. He appears closer to signing for Southampton. However, joining the Saints may not be the smartest move.
Dan Neil could be a very good signing for West Ham
As a result of Spygate, Southampton will start next season on minus four points. Tonda Eckert could also be banned for sending analysts to training grounds, which broke the EFL's 72-hour rule.
Neil is versatile in that he can play central midfield as well as in defensive and attacking roles. West Ham could do with a player like him next season as they are set to lose Mateus Fernandes.
Soungoutou Magassa and Mohamadou Kanté have also been linked with moves away from the Hammers. Tomas Soucek's future at the club is uncertain, but he has just suffered what looks like a serious injury for the Czech Republic at the World Cup.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have also just been relegated and will be looking to bounce straight back up to the Premier League. Neil has also been linked with Rangers, which could be tempting if he wants to try a different division from the Championship. The Scottish side is a massive club who compete with Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title in almost every season.
Neil is not the only Sunderland player that West Ham have been linked with this summer. They are also reportedly interested in Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor.
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