Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil looks increasingly likely to leave the club this month

Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Dan Neil could be close to a Sunderland exit.

Neil has struggled for regular game time so far this season but has been a regular in the matchday squad, and so his absence as Sunderland fell to a 3-1 defeat at the London Stadium on Saturday was notable. It's understood that Neil had a minor muscle issue this week, and with a move advancing it was decided best by all parties not to take any risk.

Le Bris confirmed after the game that an exit this week was possible - Neil has now entered the final six months of his contract at the club.

"We don't know yet, there's nothing official," Le Bris said.

"Something might happen in the next few days, we'll see."

Neil is known to have interest from Rangers, though they are not the only club in the mix at this stage. Sheffield United have also been credited with an interest and in an interesting twist given his absence at the London Stadium, West Ham United have also been reported to be plotting a move. Ipswich Town are also believed to be interested in a move as they push for promotion back to the top tier.

It’s set to be a busy final week of the transfer window at Sunderland, with Neil set to be one of a number of departures. Left back Arthur Masuaku is on the bring of a loan move to Ligue 1 side RC Lens, with a deal between the two teams agreed. Masuaku is expected to have a medical over the next 24 hours before sealing a move for the rest of this campaign. Sunderland would still ideally like to add at least one more player to their squad before the window shuts an hour before the Black Cats face Burnley at the Stadium of Light on February 2nd.

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West Ham United boss issues transfer update after Sunderland defeat

West Ham United boss Nuno said after the game that his club were still looking to make additions, though he would not be drawn on specific positions.

Midfielder Guido Rodríguez was absent from the matchday squad on Saturday as he closes in on a move to Valencia, which could push the Hammers back into the market.

"Like I've been saying to you, the transfer window is open and we have one week to go," Nuno said.

"We have time to analyse and I still believe we need to rebalance our squad. We need options in some positions. I'm not going to tell you what positions but we need to be more competitive [in certain areas]. We still need to bring [in players]."

Your next Sunderland read: Régis Le Bris issues major Granit Xhaka injury update and defends Sunderland team selection at West Ham