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Rangers have been landed a blow in their quest to sign a talented EPL duo.
The Black Cats duo were named as key transfer targets for Rangers last week, with several reports claiming the Glasgow giants had made an approach to Sunderland over a potential double deal for the duo, with both believed to be keen to play regular first-team football.
Key figures in Sunderland’s promotion to the English Premier League last term, with Neil as the captain, as his hometown side won promotion back to the top flight following an eight-year absence, beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the EFL Championship play-off final last May.
Dan Neil captained Sunderland to promotion the English Premier League last season, but looks set to depart the Black Cats this month. | Getty ImagesMundle was also named in the starting line-up for the Wembley showcase and contributed to seven goals last season despite missing a large chunk of the campaign with a hamstring injury, with his goal in the 1-1 draw with Preston North End named as goal of the month in February.
Having made enquiries last week, the English Premier League outfit has now informed interested parties that they do not plan on allowing former Tottenham Hotspur academy product Mundle to leave the Stadium of Light this month.
However, as per a report from Sky Sports, it has become “clear” that 24-year-old midfielder Neil will leave Wearside before the end of the window, with his contract at the club expiring in the summer, and several teams interested in signing him this month.
A veteran of over 200 appearances in the North East of England, Neil has played just three times following the club’s promotion to the top flight and looks destined to depart the club, where he has been since the age of nine.
It was mooted last week that the Gers had enquired about a loan deal for the Hebburn-born midfielder. However, such a deal would prove difficult for Sunderland to sanction, with a limit of six players already loaned out by Sunderland to ‘international’ clubs. Ultimately, Rangers would need to agree on a permanent deal if they were to bring him to Ibrox.
Mundle celebrate with Sunderland teammate Brian Brobbey after his goal against AFC Bournemouth earlier this season. | Getty ImagesAnd should Rangers boss Rohl wish to do so, he faces stiff competition in the race for his signature. German Bundesliga side FC Koln are already understood to have held initial talks with Regis Le Bris’ side over a deal for the Englishman, and now fellow top-flight side West Ham United have now entered proceedings, having held a ‘long-standing’ interest in the Sunderland central midfielder.