David Moyes’s first Everton transfer target could rock Sunderland promotion push
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 £15 million 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.
Zaha joins MLS side Charlotte FC
Wilfried Zaha has completed a surprise year-long loan move to Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, where he will play under former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith.
Zaha, 32, agreed the move to the United States from Galatasaray and will take one of Charlotte’s “designated player” places in Smith’s squad. There is a six-month option to extend the ex-Crystal Palace winger’s loan to June 2026.
“He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds that little bit of magic to our front line that can help us win more games,” said Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta.
Sheff Utd bid for Kenny
Sheffield United have made a bid for former Everton full-back Jonjoe Kenny, who is hoping Hertha Berlin allow him to return to England for personal reasons.
Kenny, 27, is in his third season with the German club and has asked for a return to be part of the promotion campaign under Chris Wilder.
“Over the past few years, my girlfriend and I have become parents, and many things have changed for us off the pitch. I really want to take this opportunity for my family now and return to our home country together,” he told Sky Germany.
“[Sheffield United] offer me this option, and I sincerely hope that the clubs can reach an agreement, allowing me to leave Berlin with immense gratitude and on good terms.”
Carlisle keen to extend Harris deal
Carlisle want to extend Kadeem Harris’s short-term deal at the League Two club but the winger has interest from other English Football League clubs.
The 31-year-old left Sheffield Wednesday in 2021 and had spells in Ukraine and Turkey before returning to England. Blackpool, Stevenage, Burton and Cambridge have all looked at him as a January signing.
