Everton plan second swoop on Burnley as they enter into talks for Dwight McNeil
Everton are looking to make another swoop on Burnley by signing exciting winger Dwight McNeil, according to a report.
The Toffees are in talks with the Clarets over a move for McNeil after already sealing the free-transfer move of James Tarkowski earlier in the summer.
The news has emerged via reliable Telegraph reporter John Percy, who claims the club are “hopeful” of wrapping up the transfer.
The 22-year-old left winger is under contract at Turf Moor until 2024, with the option of a further year. Burnley will demand a sizeable fee for the Rochdale-born player who has 134 Premier League appearances under his belt.
Sky Sports reported earlier this month that Burnley would be chasing in excess of £15m for McNeil.
West Ham were said to be keen after seeing Jesse Lingard move to Nottingham Forest. Sky Sports have also reported that Crystal Palace had also approached Burnley about McNeil, who has scored just seven Premier League goals.
Aston Villa have also been linked with the player, according to the Evening Standard.
A local Burnley reporter cast doubt on the previous interest. Chris Boden, sports editor on the Burnley Express, tweeted the McNeil speculation was a classic case of ‘transfer mischief’.
And Boden tweeted on Wednesday that he would be speaking to Vincent Kompany and “as of last week, no one had spoken to the club”.
Sky claim McNeil is keen to return to the Premier League and is currently considering his options.
Burnley’s relegation has already seen them lose Tarkowski, while Maxwel Cornet has also been linked with an exit. The 25-year-old Ivory Coast winger has also been mentioned as a target for Everton.
Everton buying potential with Dwight McNeil
While Everton boss Frank Lampard is on the lookout for new signings after losing Richarlison to Spurs.
“There is no doubt about it. When you think of where we were last year, we have lost a big player in Richarlison … we wish him well, but our club now continues,” said Lampard last week.
“We know there is a void in forward areas, we are short in numbers there. Also, through the team there are things I want to strengthen and I can be honest about that, because a club like Everton has to have a competitive squad.”
Whether McNeil can fill the boots of Richarlison immediately remains to be seen. The former England Under-21 is experienced though at Premier League level.
He is also still very young at just 22 and certainly holds plenty of potential. His output in terms of goals (seven) and assists (17) from 134 top-flight games needs to improve. But he can deliver good balls from out wide and Lampard will be confident of developing him.