Exclusive: Sunderland star axed and told to leave after West Ham swoop before today's clash

Sunderland have decided to cash in on Dan Neil after West Ham made a move to sign the midfielder before Saturday’s game, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old central midfielder was left out on the Black Cats’ match day against the Hammers, with Regis Le Bris deciding to cash in on him now rather than allow him to leave on a free in the summer once his contract expires.

Neil has struggled to break into Le Bris’ side this season, and he is keen to move on in search of regular first-team football.

RLB’s XI to take on West Ham! 👊#WHUSUN pic.twitter.com/Nbfgd5pA1M— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 24, 2026

Could Neil be a success at West Ham?

For West Ham, they are in dire need of more experience as they fight to stay in the Premier League.

The Hammers have been making moves in recent weeks, with Adama Traore closing in on a move to the London Stadium.

However, Neil could also prove to be a great signing if Nuno Espirito Santo wins his signature.

According to Fotmob on 24 January, the midfielder had plenty of solid stats last season in the Championship, as he produced 5.84 recoveries, 0.93 successful dribbles and an 83.9 per cent passing accuracy per game.

As a result, if the Hammers do fail to avoid the drop this season, Neil will also be a great player to have around in the second tier, with the 24-year-old captaining Sunderland to promotion in the 2024-25 campaign.

What other business are Sunderland looking to conduct?

On top of Neil’s departure, the Black Cats are far from done in the January transfer window.

Football Insider recently revealed that Sunderland have opened talks to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Jonas Omlin on loan.

They hope that the experienced Bundesliga goalkeeper can provide cover for Robin Roefs.

However, Football Insider also revealed that Sunderland have no plans to sell Noah Sadiki this month, with Man United eyeing his signature.

The DR Congo midfielder has been key to the Black Cats’ strong form this season, and Le Bris is keen to keep hold of the 21-year-old as they look to finish as high as possible in the Premier League table.

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