Everton have put Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil on their shortlist of transfer targets but may find it difficult to land him this month.
Neil, 23, has captained the Championship side this season under Régis Le Bris and has put the club in contention for automatic promotion, which further complicates a move from the Stadium of Light.
David Moyes was at Sunderland when Neil was in the academy and he is an admirer of the midfielder, having tracked his career since. Moyes is looking to bolster his squad this month in central midfield, Neil’s position, as well as left-back and attack, including a striker.
Sunderland are expected to want at least £15million for Neil, given recent prices of players going from the second tier to the Premier League, and with the player having 18 months left on his contract.
Neil has been a regular for Sunderland since helping them win promotion from League One three years ago and has been watched regularly since by top-flight clubs.
Everton are understood to have had scouts watching him in his past two games, which included the draw at Burnley last Friday which saw Neil perform well.
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