Rangers at crucial crossroads for 'influential' Dan Neil as transfer expected soon

Rangers are at a crucial point in their pursuit of Dan Neil following news that he will be leaving Sunderland at the end of his contract.

The Bears are looking to add leaders to Danny Rohl's squad this summer, as the signing of Lawrence Shankland was a step in the right direction.

Neil has been identified as someone who could fit the mould at Ibrox, having captained Sunderland back to the Premier League just over 12 months ago.

However, the Englishman was always going to be fighting an uphill battle at the Stadium of Light last campaign, as the Black Cats spent over £150million on transfers to stay in the Premier League.

As a result, Sunderland loaned Neil out to Ipswich Town in the winter window, as he then helped with another promotion to the top flight.

Now, Neil looks set to find a new club in the coming weeks, but Rangers now need to decide whether they want to go all in and beat the competition for his signature or not.

Michael Beale's comments give Rangers Dan Neil reassurance

Neil would provide direct competition for Tochi Chukwuani, Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron if he did sign.

The 24-year-old has an impressive CV already, and has proved he can get the best out of his teammates.

Neil made his professional debut for Sunderland back in 2018 and saw the club go through many changes.

One of which was when the Black Cats appointed former Ibrox boss, Michael Beale, just two months after Gers sacked him in 2023.

Beale appeared to be a big fan of Neil during his time at the Stadium of Light, and his previous praise for the Rangers-linked star should reassure Rohl.

The former Gers boss said in February 2024, as quoted by Sunderland On Si: "We made a tactical change and got Dan free by tying up their [Plymouth's] midfielders.

"For a fifteen, twenty-minute period Dan had a lot of freedom. He had a really influential second half. He won duels, he drove us forward, he played passes.

"In that fifteen, twenty-minute spell, we looked like a really good team."

Neil could slot straight into Rohl's starting XI; here's why

Rangers are at a crossroads and need to decide whether they will ramp up their interest in Neil or leave him for someone else.

Premier League newcomers Hull City are suggested to be interested, while Rangers face competition for his signature from West Ham and other clubs abroad.

It may come down to who offers him the biggest contract, and that's a decision that Andrew Cavenagh need to think about quickly.

Neil would get straight into Roh's starting lineup, and could even offer Gers the chance to go to a flat three midfield.

If not, Neil's potential arrival could let Raskin play further up the field, as the former could create a partnership with Chukwuani from deep.