West Ham United have wasted no time diving into the winter transfer market in search of reinforcements as they look to bolster their relegation battle.
According to Ben Jacobs, the Hammers are interested in a move for Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.
However, West Ham will face competition from a host of clubs across the United Kingdom and beyond, who are also hoping to land Neil’s signature.
The Hammers will need to be wary of Championship side Sheffield United and Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, while Cologne are also hoping to lure Neil to the Bundesliga.
West Ham came into the winter transfer window in dire need of reinforcements as their relegation battle heats up, and have already snapped up two players.
The Hammers board have pledged to back Nuno Espirito Santo’s mammoth task of rescuing the club from the brink of relegation.
With two fresh recruits already on board, Neil could be West Ham’s third addition this winter, but they’ll need to move fast to beat the competition.
Neil is a free agent this summer
Neil has been on Sunderland’s books since joining the club at the youth level in 2018, but his eight-year spell at the Stadium of Light could end this summer.
His contract runs out at the end of the season, and Sunderland have no plans to open talks over a new deal at the moment, sparking interest from several clubs.
The 24-year-old midfielder has hardly kicked a ball for the Black Cats this season. He has featured three times in the Premier League, coming on as a substitute in each game.
His only start for Sunderland came in the EFL Cup second round penalty shoot-out defeat against Huddersfield Town.
Despite struggling for first-team minutes at Sunderland, the ex-England youth international isn’t short on suitors, and West Ham are among several clubs vying for his signature.
Strengthening the backline was supposed to be a priority, but interest in Neil suggests West Ham want to bolster their squad across the pitch.