Liverpool are set to rival Crystal Palace for the signature of 21-year-old Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.
According to Football Insider, Premier League heavyweights Liverpool have made a surprise play to rival Crystal Palace for the signing of Sunderland star Dan Neil.
The deadline day pursuit of the 21-year-old comes as a surprise following the Reds’ teaching an agreement with Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch. Adding Neil to the roster will give the Reds another homegrown player while also adding depth to the midfield roster.
The 21-year-old has been with the Black Cats since 2010 and came through the ranks at The Stadium of Light. He is around the same age when Jordan Henderson moved to Anfield and surely the Reds would love it should Neil replicate the former skipper’s impact on Merseyside.
A central midfielder, Neil is capable of doing a job at both ends of the pitch. While he will not be a regular starter at Liverpool, he can provide Jurgen Klopp with options and perhaps even surprise a few by taking the opportunity with both hands.
One of Sunderland’s standout players, Liverpool have been monitoring the midfield ace for 12 months now. Crystal Palace are also keen on the Englishman and could yet make a late move for his services.
A reliable passer and tackler, Neil is solid if unspectacular on the field. He can be expected to get the job done and should not be afraid to put in the effort needed. Surely, either Crystal Palace or Liverpool could be on the verge of unearthing an unpolished gem.
Palace could add Neil to a midfield that already contains Cheick Doucoure and Jefferson Lerma. The trio should give Roy Hodgson a reliable base in the middle of the park to build his team around.
With the transfer window set to slam shut in a few hours, it remains to be seen if Crystal Palace and Liverpool make their move. Regardless of who comes out on top, Neil could end up surprising quite a few pundits and fans in the months to come.
