According to Sunderland Nation, Tottenham are one of a whole host of top-flight clubs circling over Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.
Despite being just 22 years of age, Neil is vastly experienced, having been a regular in Sunderland’s starting eleven for nearly three years and having clocked up 131 appearances for the Black Cats across the Championship and League One.
The central midfielder has developed steadily during that time and he is now having a breakthrough season in the English second tier, having scored four goals and provided three assists in 25 Championship appearances in 2023-24 (Transfermarkt).
The youngster was first mooted as a target for Spurs back in the summer of 2022 (Football Insider) but the speculation has gone quiet since.
Tottenham are back in the race for Dan Neil
Sunderland National have now claimed that both Tottenham and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Neil multiple times this season while Liverpool have been tracking the youngster since last summer.
The report further says that Sporting Lisbon also have their eye on the midfielder and suggests that the Championship club face a battle on their hands to keep hold of their academy graduate.
Meanwhile, former Leeds midfielder Cole Palmer believes that Neil is capable of shining in the Premier League but suggested that it would take an offer of over £10m to take the player away from the Stadium of Light this month.
The pundit told Football League World (as relayed by TEAMtalk): “Sunderland are preparing themselves for a transfer window scramble to retain Dan Neil. Reports are suggesting Liverpool, Arsenal, and Spurs are interested, just to name a few Premier League clubs keen to win his signature.
“Liverpool, in fact, made an enquiry in the summer without putting forward an offer. Sunderland are in an incredibly strong position with the player. Neil’s contract does not expire until the summer of 2026.
“He’s having another fantastic season. The midfield player is reportedly happy to stay at Sunderland and wishes to help them return to the Premier League.
“At 22, he’s technically gifted, he’s an English player as well; that satisfies the criteria of supplying home-grown talent for the big clubs,” Palmer added.
“I think Dan could make the step up to the Premier League, but we know Sunderland’s policy of developing young players and buying them at relatively low prices and then selling them on for big profit.
“I think it would take a huge offer for Sunderland to let Neil go in the January transfer window. I think you would be looking at in excess of £10m.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Tottenham will continue keeping a close eye on the bench emerging talent from the lower leagues and around Europe, but just because Spurs have scouted Neil does not mean that a move for the Sunderland starlet is imminent in January.