Max Wilkins

Sun 24 May 2026 13:00, UK

West Bromwich Albion have no choice but to step up their efforts to sign Dan Neil this summer.

The Englishman has previously been linked with a move to The Hawthorns as his time at Sunderland looks set to come to an end in the summer.

That possibility has only taken a step closer to reality after he spent the second half of the season at Ipswich Town.

Things weren’t exactly peachy for the midfielder at Portman Road, even if automatic promotion was secured in the end.

O’Neil now looks set for a permanent exit from Sunderland, something which the Baggies must now be alert to ahead of the summer.

Dan Neil set for transfer talks at Rangers

It was always going to be difficult for the midfielder at the Stadium of Light as soon as Granit Xhaka came through the doors.

That is exactly how it turned out before he was eventually shipped out to Ipswich, where he played a role in the Tractor Boys’ return to the Premier League.

Even after finishing second in the Championship, it feels unlikely that his performances will be enough to prompt a permanent stay at Portman Road.

That has opened the door for Rangers to hold talks with Neil ahead of a free transfer, according to Alan Nixon.

The journalist reported on Sunday that the midfielder is keen to speak to the Ibrox club as his contract ticks down at the Stadium of Light.

West Brom have previously been linked to Neil, so they will have to make their presence known if they are to make a deal happen this summer.

How West Brom can beat Rangers to sign Dan Neil

The prospect of playing for one of the biggest clubs in Scotland may be a plus for the midfielder, but there is simply no guarantee of regular minutes.

Rangers already have the likes of Tochi Chukwuani, Nico Raskin and Connor Barron within their ranks, so coming in to disturb that wouldn’t be easy.

By comparison, a free transfer switch to The Hawthorns would almost certainly come with a starting role under James Morrison at the base of midfield.

As someone to complement more attacking options like Isaac Price and Alex Mowatt would be superb and could help push the Baggies up the Championship table.

The decision will ultimately come down to the Sunderland man, but it does feel as if Albion could make an attractive offer this summer.