Dan Neil’s stance on Sunderland exit revealed as Rangers ‘push to sign him now’ amid long-term plan

Rangers are ready to take their interest in Sunderland star Dan Neil to the next level before the upcoming 2 February deadline.

The midfielder has fallen out of favour with his boyhood club after their promotion back to the Premier League in the summer, and a move to the Scottish Premiership has been in the pipeline.

Sunderland have also received interest in Neil from West Ham, but Rangers’ desire to sign him has been clear and consistent since the start of the winter window.

Danny Rohl’s side are looking to strenghthen their hand further ahead of a three-way fight for the league title in Scotland, and Neil is seen as a player who could come in and have an immediate impact.

Dan Neil keen to see out Sunderland contract as Rangers eye fee

Football Insider revealed earlier in January that Sunderland could look to cash in on Neil this month ahead of his contract expiring in the summer, but the player’s own stance has now changed the picture.

The 24-year-old is keen to see out the remainder of his deal on Wearside, despite Rangers “pushing to sign him now,” according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon account.

The Gers are happy to pay a small fee to take the Englishman immediately, but an agreement on that is yet to be reached between the two clubs.

Neil is expected to have plenty of English clubs interested in him in the summer, but Nixon understands that Rangers’ proposal will still be on the table for him in the long-term, and could also offer favourable money compared to that in England.

The Sunderland star may not want the move at the moment, but with Rangers seemingly viewing him as an ideal part of the long-term plan for their team, Neil will have plenty of decisions to make in the coming months.

Sunderland must be careful not to anger fans over Neil treatment

Neil has been firmly on the fringes at Sunderland this term, and it is surely in their interests to try and recoup a little cash for him.

The Black Cats have enjoyed a hugely positive campaign on their return to the top flight, but they must approach the situation regarding Neil’s future with the delicacy that it needs.

The homegrown hero was club captain during their promotion-winning year last time out, but has since been usurped by Granit Xhaka and has played just 13 minutes of league football all season.

It is undoubtedly in the interests of Regis Le Bris and Co. to cash in on him before the end of the window, rather than lose him for nothing, but the club and the manager must be careful to ensure that they aren’t seen to be forcing Neil out.

He remains a hugely popular figure among the fanbase at the Stadium of Light, and it could easily leave the fans seething with the club if it appears that one of their promotion heroes is being treated unfairly.

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