Sunderland are preparing to cash in on several homegrown players in January, and sources indicate that former captain Dan Neil is likely to be the first out of the door, with a host of clubs monitoring his situation closely.
The 23-year-old was a central figure in Sunderland’s promotion campaign, eventually lifting the Championship play-off trophy at Wembley after their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United. But despite making over 40 appearances under Régis Le Bris last season, Neil has slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of big-money signing Noah Sadiki and marquee midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Having been reduced to a peripheral role, Neil has every reason to feel frustrated. He has logged just two minutes of Premier League action this season—brief late cameos against Aston Villa and Wolves—and hasn’t featured in the league at all since mid-October.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, Sunderland are now ready to sell rather than risk losing him for nothing, especially as they look to balance the books after heavy summer spending.
Interest in Neil remains strong. Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham all explored a deal during the summer window, while Roma—part of the Friedkin Group alongside Everton—also made enquiries. However, a Championship return now appears the most realistic outcome, with Coventry City pushing to sign him.
Coventry are eager to strengthen their title bid and see Neil as the ideal mid-season addition, given his experience and reliability at that level. Frank Lampard’s side have enjoyed a superb start and sit five points clear at the top after 20 matches, but they are determined to reinforce their squad to maintain a promotion charge.
Neil isn’t the only Sunderland player who could be available. Fellow promotion winners Anthony Patterson, Dennis Cirkin and Chris Rigg may also be sold if suitable offers arrive. Rigg, 18, remains one of the most highly regarded prospects in the squad and attracted Premier League interest in the summer, with sources revealing that Everton manager David Moyes is an admirer of the teenager’s all-action style.
With Sunderland seeking further squad upgrades, January now looks set to bring a significant reshaping of some of the club’s most valuable homegrown talents.