Ipswich sign Sunderland midfielder Neil on loan

Championship promotion-chasers Ipswich Town have signed midfielder Dan Neil from Sunderland on loan until the end of the season, when he will leave the Black Cats.

Neil, 24, helped the Wearsiders win promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season, making 47 league appearances and scoring twice.

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He has not been able to hold down a regular place in the top flight this term, playing only three games as a substitute, and he will leave Sunderland this summer when his contract expires.

South Shields-born Neil made a total of 201 appearances for the Black Cats since making his debut in September 2020, and scored 12 goals.

“I’ve been at Sunderland for a very long time and it was an unbelievable chapter in my life and career but I’m ready for the next chapter now,” Neil told the Ipswich club website.

“After a lot of thought, it was clear Ipswich would be the perfect fit for that.

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“The way the manager wants to play football and the way I like to play is the same, basically.”

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added that Neil had left a legacy at his hometown club.

“He always stood up during difficult times and embraced the challenge, pushed to be an important player, and then used his influence positively to drive standards on and off the field, which culminated in him captaining his boyhood club back to the Premier League,” said Speakman.

Ipswich are third in the table following Saturday’s defeat at Sheffield United, having won their previous four games, as they look for an immediate return to the top flight following last season’s relegation.

Neil is Town’s second signing of the transfer window following last week’s arrival of former Bristol City winger Anis Mehmeti.