West Ham in hunt to sign Dan Neil as Sunderland make transfer decision

West Ham United are interested in signing Sunderland captain Dan Neil, according to Alex Crook.

TalkSPORT transfer correspondent Crook posted on X (23 January) to deliver the news on the pursuit to bring the midfield man to the London Stadium as the Irons' recruitment process is stepped up.

The 23-year-old heads up a list of targets the Hammers are looking to bring in before the 3 February deadline, wanting a midfielder as well as a defender and a striker, though Sunderland are aiming to stand firm in the wake of the interest.

Crook shared: "Understand West Ham United well as Everton interested in Sunderland [midfielder] Dan Neil. Black Cats want him to stay."

West Ham United want Sunderland captain Neil

It is not surprising to see Premier League interest in Neil, which has been the case ever since he was a teenager breaking through into the Sunderland first-team.

The Black Cats' academy product now skippers the side and has impressed in a deeper midfield lynchpin role for Regis Le Bris' fourth-placed Championship team this campaign.

Le Bris described Neil as "impressive" in the disciplined role, telling We Are Sunderland (8 January): "So far we haven't conceded many counter attacks. We have managed this part of the game and it's very important. Dan is so important and impressive in that role."

Neil typifies the faith shown in promising players at Sunderland, who boast the youngest squad in the Championship and have sold on several key stars to top-level clubs.

West Ham are plagued by injuries and suspensions and Graham Potter wants at least three players through the door before the 3 February transfer deadline.

In other West Ham news, an update is delivered on the Ezechiel Banzuzi transfer saga.

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