West Brom on red alert to sign Dan Neil after latest Sunderland news
West Brom could make a January swoop to land Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.
Ryan Mason is coming under pressure at West Brom and is in desperate need of winter reinforcements if he is to keep his job at The Hawthorns.
Aune Heggebo is an example of an excellent summer signing, while someone like Samuel Iling-Junior has come under more scrutiny.
The Baggies certainly don’t have a perfect record in January either after West Brom signed Tammer Bany nearly 12 months ago and he has made just five appearances in B71.
The potential signing of Neil appears to be more of a sure thing, but Mason will face competition to land his signature this winter.
West Brom interested in Dan Neil at Sunderland
Isaac Price’s recent form has dropped off after a stellar start to the season, so more protection for him would make complete sense next month.
The Albion are in need of quality options that can hand them an instant improvement after an underwhelming season so far.
Despite sitting 16th in the Championship, there is just a seven-point gap to the play-off spots, so a sudden rise in form could transform the season.
The signing of someone like Neil could make all the difference, with the Mackem star emerging as an early target.
Alan Nixon reported to his Patreon on 21 December that West Brom are in the race to land the Sunderland man alongside Leicester City.
The Englishman has hardly featured for the Black Cats this season and could look for a winter move for regular first-team minutes.
Regis Le Bris may not green-light an exit, but with West Brom and Leicester interested, Neil could force his way out with the hope of mounting a promotion bid elsewhere.
Neil could transform West Brom after January
The Baggies have Ousmane Diakite as a more traditional defensive midfielder, but it is unclear if Mason entirely trusts the 25-year-old.
The Malian has made just nine league starts this season, so the introduction of an experienced head like Neil could represent a boost.
Sunderland’s number four is only 24, but has made 200 appearances for the Black Cats and has plenty of EFL experience.
Adding that to the base of midfield at The Hawthorns could prove to be the boost the Baggies need to potentially hunt a top-six finish this season.
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