Coventry City are lining up a January swoop for Sunderland’s promotion-winning captain Dan Neil, as they continue their quest to return to the Premier League.
Frank Lampard’s side currently sit top of the Championship heading into the busy festive period, but still have work to do if they are to maintain their bid to return to the top flight for the first time since 2001.
One way they could obtain that is by adding experienced assets into their side and it appears as though one has been identified.
Coventry City eye promotion-winning captain
As reported by journalist Graeme Bailey, Coventry City have set their sights on signing Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil during the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old is currently out of favour at the Stadium of Light following their respective promotion to the Premier League and looks set to depart in the coming weeks.
Neil is out of contract at the end of the 2025/26 season and looks unlikely to extend his stay with the club, forcing Sunderland to look for some cash before losing him for free in seven months time.
How did he fare last season?
Considering Neil hasn’t been a regular for Sunderland so far this season, it’s important to look at his past seasons. This season, he’s played three times across all competitions.
Last season, Neil played 48 times across all competitions and contributed to five goals as the Black Cats sealed their return to the top flight.
Aside from the current season, Neil has been a regular for Sunderland since breaking through, registering over 40 appearances in each of the last four campaigns.
Is this needed for Coventry?
Coventry City may be at the top of the Championship standings currently, but they have struggled in midfield throughout the season so far.
Despite the goals from Victor Torp and Josh Eccles, injuries to those two and Jack Rudoni has forced Frank Lampard to rely on U21s midfielder Kai Andrews as well as Jamie Allen.
Therefore, there is an argument that Coventry need a midfielder during the January transfer window and adding a promotion-winning captain would arguably be a big statement of intent for their ongoing promotion hopes.