Sunderland have recalled £3.1m midfielder Milan Aleksić from his loan spell in Poland, with his next move now unclear

Sunderland have confirmed that Milan Aleksić has been recalled from his season-long loan at Polish Ekstraklasa side KS Cracovia.

The 20-year-old midfielder made eight appearances during his time in Poland, registering two assists, and also recorded an assist in his only senior appearance for the Black Cats this season in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town.

Aleksić joined Sunderland on a four-year contract in August 2024 for a fee reported to be around £3.1million and has since gained experience both domestically and abroad. The Serbian youth international moved to Cracovia in September with an option to buy, a decision Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said at the time would provide the midfielder with “regular games in an appropriate environment” as he continued his development.

It remains to be seen whether Aleksić will head out on loan again before the transfer window closes, but as things stand he is unlikely to force his way into Régis Le Bris’ first-team plans, with competition for places in midfield particularly intense.

What other Sunderland-related transfer news is there?

In other news, Le Bris has confirmed that Dan Neil could be close to leaving Sunderland, with the midfielder now into the final six months of his contract.

Neil has struggled for regular minutes this season following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, though he has remained a regular presence in matchday squads. His absence from the travelling group for Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham was therefore notable.

It is understood Neil had been managing a minor muscle issue during the week, and with a potential move advancing, it was decided by all parties that no risks would be taken. Speaking after the game, Le Bris acknowledged that a departure before the window closes remains a possibility. “We don't know yet, there's nothing official,” Le Bris said. “Something might happen in the next few days; we'll see.”

Neil’s situation has attracted growing interest. Rangers are known admirers, though they are not alone. Sheffield United have also been credited with interest, while in an intriguing twist, given his omission at the London Stadium, West Ham United have also been reported to be monitoring the situation. Ipswich Town are likewise believed to be keen as they push for a return to the top tier.

According to Alan Nixon, Neil would be willing to see out his Sunderland contract if no agreement is reached this month, despite Rangers’ efforts to secure him now. Nixon reports that Neil is “happy to hold on until the end of an unhappy season on Wearside,” with Rangers keen to strike a deal and even prepared to pay a small fee. However, there has yet to be an agreement between the clubs.

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Several English sides are also said to be keen, though Nixon adds that the financial package on offer in Scotland may be the strongest available – and crucially, would still be on the table in the summer should Neil become a free agent.

Further reports suggest Ipswich Town chiefs are pushing hard to pip Rangers to Neil’s signature. The 24-year-old has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season and is now widely expected to leave his hometown club during this window. Ipswich are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, while West Ham – who faced Sunderland on Saturday – are among several clubs believed to be tracking developments.

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