Sunderland are bracing themselves for yet more interest in their first team squad, with Liverpool considering launching a shock bid for midfielder Dan Neil, according to Football Insider.
The Black Cats have endured a torrid week thus far, with Championship rivals Southampton on the verge of completing a £10 million deal for star striker Ross Stewart. The Saints immediately followed that up with a £5 million bid for Patrick Roberts, although Sunderland are thought to be keen on retaining the services of the 26-year-old.
News of Liverpool’s interest in Neil will be another major blow for manager Tony Mowbray, who sees the England under-20 international as a key player within his squad.
The 21-year-old has been an ever-present for the Wearside club over the past couple of years and played a big role in their promotion from League One in 2021. He followed that up last season by featuring in all-but-one of Sunderland’s Championship fixtures on the way to their play-off semi final defeat against Luton Town.
It is claimed that Liverpool have been keeping an eye on Neil for the past year and their interest remains despite securing the services of Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich. Jurgen Klopp has had to deal with depleted numbers in the centre of the park, with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and James Milner all departing Anfield this summer.
Neil is a player for the future and the Merseyside club would be hoping for a similar success story to that of their former captain Henderson, who was also signed from Sunderland in 2011.
Writer’s View
Tony Mowbray will no doubt be pulling his hair out right now. After hoping for a number of arrivals over the past couple of weeks, he has seemingly had to contend with the reverse. The loss of Ross Stewart is a huge one, although it wouldn’t have been totally unexpected at the Stadium of Light due to his dwindling contract. However, Liverpool’s interest in Dan Neil will be a shock and there will be a huge reluctance to sanction an exit at this stage of the transfer window.
Should the midfielder be keen on a move to the English giants and Sunderland agree, the best option would be an immediate loan back clause. This is likely to be agent talk, but it’s one to keep an eye on nonetheless.
