Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil in the closing stages of this summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old has been a regular starter for the Black Cats since graduating from the club's academy in June 2018, helping them to earn promotion to the Championship.
Tony Mowbray's men managed to finish inside the top six of the second tier on their return to the top division of the EFL, with Neil featuring in all but one of his side's league contests.
The midfielder has played every minute of the Black Cats' new Championship campaign so far, recording a goal and assist in four appearances at the start of the term.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are exploring the possibility of signing Neil from Sunderland in the final moments of the transfer window.
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The report claims that the Reds have been monitoring the player's progress over the past few seasons, with the former England Under-20 international impressing at the North-East club.
It is understood that Jurgen Klopp views Neil as someone who could fill the void left by departed club captain Jordan Henderson in the 2023-24 term.
Having made the switch to Anfield from the Stadium of Light in June 2011, England international Henderson ended his 12-year stay in Merseyside to link up with Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq.
Klopp's men have also lost fellow defensive-minded midfielder Fabinho to the Middle East in this summer's window, meaning that the Reds have been on the hunt to significantly bolster their engine room.
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It is believed that Liverpool remain keen on the capture of Sunderland's Neil despite a deal for Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch being close to completion.
The Netherlands international is said to be set for a move to the Premier League, with the Reds and the Bundesliga champions reportedly agreeing a £34.2m transfer fee.
The 21-year-old made the switch to the Allianz Arena from Ajax last summer but has struggled massively for regular game time at the Bavarians giants, despite being tipped for a bright future in Germany.
Gravenberch would be Liverpool's third incoming from the Bundesliga this summer, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo joining from RB Leipzig and Stuttgart respectively.
As for Neil, the Sunderland man has never featured at a level higher than the Championship, although Klopp is said to perceive the midfielder as someone who could grow into a key figure for the Anfield club.
Carter White
