Middlesbrough FC are keen on signing outgoing Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, who is said to be in the Teessiders' sights. Hull City have reportedly emerged as serious contenders in the race to sign Neil, who is said to be in Middlesbrough's sights. The Tigers and the Teessiders did battle in the Championship play-off final last month, and could again square off in the transfer market. Hull are gearing up for a return to the Premier League having secured victory at Wembley, while Middlesbrough are plotting another Championship promotion tilt. According to TEAMtalk, both clubs are keen on Neil with the expiry of his Sunderland contract approaching. The 24-year-old has spent the entirety of his senior career on the books at the Stadium of Light but his lengthy association with the club looks set to end. He ended the 2025/26 season on loan at Ipswich Town, helping the Tigers seal promotion to the Premier League. Middlesbrough have been described as admirers of Neil and are thought to have held internal talks over a potential swoop. However, Hull are now said to be showing serious interest as they view him as a player who could add quality and experience. Scottish giants Rangers have also been credited with interest in the industrious midfielder, who has been capped by England at under-20 level. Sheffield United were reported to be keen on Neil before his mid-season switch to Ipswich, although there has not been talk of Blades interest being revived. Neil's Championship pedigree cannot be questioned, as he has achieved promotion from the second tier in each of the last two campaigns. However, he has had little exposure to the top tier of English football. Before being loaned out to Ipswich, Sunderland had afforded Neil just three Premier League outings from the bench. Describing his style after putting pen to paper at Ipswich, Neil said: 'I'm a central midfielder who likes to get on the ball and tries to dictate games as much as I can. But I've also learnt over the years that the out-of-possession stuff is just as important, especially in this division. I'm vocal in terms of organising the team and those are probably my main qualities.'