West Ham United have stepped up their search for midfield reinforcements by launching a bid for Sunderland’s Dan Neil.
The £6million-rated star played a key role in Sunderland’s return to the Premier League.
However, he finds himself struggling for minutes for the Black Cats and did not feature in their defeat by West Ham last weekend.
That was despite club captain Granit Xhaka picking up an ankle injury in the build up to that game.
Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville were among the goals in the early Premier League kick off.
Hammers Lead Race for Homegrown Star
Rangers were believed to be in the running for Neil but have now been put to the back of the queue.
The Scottish side were hoping to raise some funds by allowing striker Danilo to make a January exit.
But West Ham are keen to bolster their domestic quota and view Neil as a high-potential addition who can provide depth.
Promotion-chasing Ipswich Town have also reportedly tabled an offer, but neither are likely to be able to compete with West Ham.
Especially as Sunderland are reportedly holding our for a deal closer to £10m for the homegrown player.
A Bitter-Sweet Exit for a Sunderland Legend
For the Sunderland faithful, Neil’s departure marks the end of an era.
The academy graduate famously captained the Black Cats back to the top flight after an eight-year absence, making over 200 appearances for the club and lifting the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2021.
However, the club’s “survival at all costs” strategy following promotion saw a staggering 15 new players arrive last summer, including the high-profile acquisition of Swiss international Granit Xhaka.
The veteran’s arrival has seen Neil limited to just three appearances this season, effectively ending his tenure as a regular starter.
West Ham January Transfer Spree
Fulham’s signing of Oscar Bobb also means West Ham’s move for Adama Traore can go through.
The former Wolves attacker is ready to link up once again with Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham.
Traore is expected to undergo his West Ham medical on Monday with Bobb still in talks with Fulham but a deal expected.
The east London side earned all three points at the weekend but still sit five points adrift of Premier League safety.
However, West Ham are finding a bit of form when it matters and Nuno Espirito Santo is now out to 25/1 in the Premier League sack race odds.
