Promotion contenders Ipswich snap up Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil
Midfielder Dan Neil has joined Ipswich from Sunderland
Ipswich have bolstered their midfield options as they look to get out of the Championship by signing Dan Neil from Sunderland.
Neil captained the Wearsiders at Wembley in last season’s play-off final victory over Sheffield United but has struggled for game time in the Premier League following the arrivals of Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra.
Neil, 24, has signed an initial six-month loan deal with Ipswich and, with his Sunderland contract expiring in the summer, has effectively brought an end to an 18-year association with his hometown club.
He told safc.com: “I’m proud of what we achieved during my time at the club and for playing my part in taking it back to where it belongs, the Premier League. Captaining Sunderland was a boyhood dream that came true, and as a supporter for life, I’m excited to see what’s next on the journey.”
Ipswich are third in the second tier, five points from the automatic promotion spots with a game in hand, and boss Kieran McKenna was pleased to have someone with Neil’s experience on board.
“We’re happy to add Dan to the group,” McKenna told itfc.com. “He’s a versatile midfielder who can play in a couple of different roles. He of course has a lot of experience in the Championship, including winning a promotion last season, so he’s a player with good experience, good pedigree and good character who I’m sure will be a strong addition for us for the rest of the season.”