Blues should look to pick up Black Cats' midfield star in summer

THERE is a free agent every summer that Championship clubs fawn over and Dan Neil appears to be that man in 2026.

- By ALEX DICKEN

Sunderland's Dan Neil is likely to be popular with Championship clubs and, left, Karl Darlow could be up for grabs too

The midfielder will leave Sunderland at the end of his contract in June having spent the second half of the season on loan at promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town.

A place in the Premier League with Ipswich isn’t beyond Neil if all goes to plan at Portman Road this week.

If another season in the Championship awaits Neil, Birmingham City should go all-out for a player proven at this level who still has his best years ahead of him.

The 24-year-old has 150 appearances in the Championship under his belt and has tasted both a successful and unsuccessful playoff campaign.

Relegated Wolves have already expressed an interest in Neil and all the teams aiming to be in promotion contention next season will surely ask the question.

The same can be said for a few others who fall into the 'premium' free agent bracket.