What Michael Beale said about 'fantastic' Sunderland player wanted by Rangers as ex-boss' big prediction resurfaces
Michael Beale’s comments on this Rangers transfer target have resurfaced
Comments made by former Rangers manager Michael Beale about a current Ibrox transfer target are still ringing true today.
The Light Blues are interested in signing Dan Neil from Sunderland, who Beale has also managed in the past. In fact, according to recent reports, Rangers have jumped into pole position to sign the midfielder this transfer window.
Two years ago, Beale was full of praise for Neil ahead of their derby meeting with Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
Michael Beale praise for Rangers target Dan Neil
At the time of the Wear-Tyne Derby, Beale was head coach of Sunderland and was hoping Neil would use the opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to compete against top flight sides on a regular basis.
Sure enough, Neil played a key part in Sunderland’s promotion drive last season as the Black Cats returned to the Premier League.
“Dan’s a fantastic player. There’s a lot of eyes on Dan because he’s got a lot of potential. Hugely important player in our squad and I’ve been super impressed with him since I joined the club,” Beale told BBC Radio Newcastle back in 2024.
“It’s important for him that he focuses on his game and plays well because this is the level he wants to play at regularly, you know, against these players.
“He’s going to go in and challenge himself against international midfielders and I think that Dan, from what I can see, has more than enough potential to go and play at that level regularly and so this is an opportunity for him this weekend.
“So, push everything else aside and play the game that’s in front of you. I think that’s what the best players do. They find a calmness where other players maybe are not able to do that.”
Rangers interest in signing Dan Neil
According to The Star, Rangers have elbowed rival clubs out of the way to put themselves in pole position to sign Neil. The report states Sheffield United have included the 24-year-old in their transfer shortlist, as he has been given the green light to leave Sunderland this window.
Despite the Blades’ interest, Rangers have ‘stolen a march’ on them in the race for Neil’s signature.
Should Rangers make the transfer before the deadline in a week’s time, it could trigger a domino effect for Sheffield United to sign Joe Rothwell. The EFL Championship side are linked with the out-of-favour midfielder, as he does not feature in Danny Rohl’s plans moving forwards.