The latest media reports are suggesting that the first permanent transfer signing of the summer might well be a free transfer, but one with an excellent promotion pedigree, find out here who Saints are said to be in talks with.

According to The Daily Echo the man said to already be deep in discussion with Southampton is Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.

The 24 year old exits the Stadium of Light having helped them to the Premier League with 47 Championship appearances during their 2024/25 season promotion run..

However Neil fell down the pecking order at Sunderland last campaign and after just three league appearances in the Premier League totalling just 13 minutes, he moved on loan to Ipswich Town in the January transfer window this year after warming the bench in every one of their Premier League games other than the 3 brief sub appearances .

At Portman Road he was a little more appreciated, in the final 18 games as Ipswich headed towards automatic promotion, Neil started 8 of them, came on as sub in another 8 and sat on the bench in the other 2.

He was used as a defensive midfielder in the main including playing the full 90 minutes at St Mary's as the Tractor Boys snatched a late 2-2 draw.

He is able to play both as a defensive central midfielder as well as in a more attacking position and his versatility would be an asset in that area of the park.

His breakthrough season came in 2021/22 when he played 39 games as Sunderland earned promotion from League One through the play offs.

His value a year ago as he helped Sunderland to their promotion was massive, he started 44 of the 46 games in that season, missing just two and his value in financial terms was around £8 million.

He could perhaps be likened to the signing of Dean Hammond by Saints, a central midfielder with extensive experience outside of the Premier league.

So if Saints can land him then it would be a great signing, he has been promoted in 3 of the 5 seasons he has been a first team regular, he has played a total of 14t Championship games in his career, plus another 41 in League One.

All in all the 24 year old has played well over 200 games at senior level for both Sunderland & Ipswich.

Sky Sports Keith Downie reports that Saints are in talks with Neil over a free transfer to St Mary’s and are close to signing him, with the midfielder high on head coach Tonda Eckert’s wish list.

Keith Downie
@SkySports_Keith

🚨 EXCL: Southampton are in advanced talks with midfielder Dan Neil.
🔝 The free agent midfielder is high on Tonda Eckert’s wish list, and is close to signing.
🤔 There’s also interest in the 24-year-old from Wolves & West Ham, who has his pick of top Championship clubs.

Scottish club Rangers are also said to have been in talks with him.

All Photos Via Reuters