Last week it was reported that Saints were close to signing out of contract midfielder Dan Neil, but now it seems that with the transfer window now effectively open in earnest, that there is twist in the saga.

The Sunderland Echo are reporting that Rangers have surged ahead in the race to sign Dan Neil on a free transfer after his contract ended yesterday.

You would think that being the local paper for Sunderland they might have a little more handle on situations like this than the national media or the host of AI composed football websites that dominate social media these days.

They say

"According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Rangers have moved quickly over the last 48 hours to secure Neil’s signature after the 24-year-old had held talks with Southampton last week and looked likely to move to St Mary’s. "

"Downie reports the midfielder has been undergoing a medical over the last 24 hours and his move to Ibrox is now expected to be confirmed soon."

So it looks like Saints have been beaten to his signature by Rangers, on one hand you can see why he would move there, they are undoubtably one of the biggest clubs in the UK in terms of size and they can offer not only a challenge for the Scottish League title, but also European football.

But on the other hand it is the Scottish Premiership, which last season was actually a 3 horse race for the first time in about 40 years.

It seems that Rangers are determined to get their name on the title this time out and are looking to spend big, not just in transfer fees as this one would not cost them a penny, but in wages and this is where perhaps Dan Neil has been tempted over the border.

All Photos Via Reuters