Southampton Close To Signing Midfielder Dan Neil: West Ham Must React

Southampton are stepping up efforts to seal a deal for midfielder Dan Neil, who is a free agent after leaving Sunderland. West Ham are urged to act quickly to avoid losing him to a rival club.

Southampton are pushing hard to complete a deal for midfielder Dan Neil, who is currently out of contract. Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has reportedly put the 24-year-old first on her summer shopping list, with talks progressing quickly, Keith Downie reports.

Neil will become a free agent after his contract with Sunderland expires on 30 June. The former England under-20 international is in an advantageous position, having several options. Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham are following the situation closely, observing how it develops.

Over the past twelve months, his career has been characterized by ups and downs. He started the season without a spot at the Stadium of Light, making just 3 appearances, before moving on loan to Ipswich Town. That move saved his season: he played 16 times at Portman Road, regaining his form and contributing to the team's promotion.

Now, St Mary's Stadium appears to be his most likely destination, with medical checks on the way. West Ham need to wake up. Letting Southampton get a player of this quality on a free transfer would be poor management. Nuno Espírito Santo should be knocking on the door of the board of directors now, asking for action.

Sunderland had asked for £6 million for him not long ago. Today? It costs £0. This completely changes the financial plans for a club that is trying to rebuild. This is a midfielder with over 200 professional appearances, yet he is only 24 years old. He still has his best years ahead of him. Signing Neil is an obvious choice for the recruitment team. Depth in midfield is desperately thin following recent departures, and the Championship is a brutal and tiring league. We need players. Reliable. Neil has shown during his time at Ipswich that he can handle pressure without hesitation. He does the dirty work, drops back to receive the ball from the central defenders and brings possession back into play cleanly.

Financially, it makes perfect sense. His salary demands stand at around £10,000 a week. Pennies in the modern game. Hiring him on a free transfer frees up a large part of the remaining summer budget for a quality striker or a classy winger. Southampton are already well underway with this transfer. If West Ham bosses don't move quickly, they will see the strengthening of a direct rival on the cheap. The council must act today.

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