Dan Neil is expected to join Lawrence Shankland in joining Rangers on a free transfer this summer.
It emerged on Tuesday morning that the Light Blues are closing in on a deal to sign Neil when his contract at Sunderland expires in June.
The midfielder spent the second half of the season on loan at Ipswich Town, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League, but a permanent move to Portman Road is not on the cards.
Coventry City, though, are interested in signing him as they prepare for their own return to the top-flight, although Rangers are making serious moves to snap him up.
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Danny Rohl a huge fan of Dan Neil
Further details of Rangers’ pursuit of Neil have now emerged, with the Sunderland Echo describing the Govan club as frontrunners for the 24-year-old.
According to the English regional daily, the Gers are making a serious push to take the England Under-20s international to Ibrox.
It has been revealed that Danny Rohl, who is leading a major recruitment drive in Glasgow, is a huge admirer of Neil from his time at Sheffield Wednesday.
Apart from his abilities as a midfielder, Neil’s leadership credentials make him an ideal candidate for Rangers, who are focusing on signing players with such qualities.
Rohl’s side were keen on a move for him in January, and have now rekindled their interest.
The Sunderland ace is understood to have been ‘identified for a leadership role’ at Ibrox, as per the report.
The Glasgwegian outfit are on the lookout for a new captain after James Tavernier drew the curtain on his 11-year spell at the Premiership club.
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Neil would be a great signing for Rangers
Neil was restricted to just three appearances off the bench in the Premier League after Sunderland earned promotion, thus prompting his loan move to Ipswich midway through the season.
Therefore, it is easy to see why some Rangers fans are underwhelmed by the interest in him.
However, Neil led the Black Cats to promotion in the 2024-25 season as captain, fending off the pressures of the play-offs in the process.
Had Sunderland not signed Granit Xhaka, he would have remained their captain in the Premier League.
As a free transfer, Neil represents yet another incredible signing for Rangers, just like Shankland.
