Everton are reportedly interested in signing Burnley winger Dwight McNeil. According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, Rafael Benitez would like to bring the England U21 international to Goodison Park as he continues to shape his squad ahead of the new season.
The Toffees have already been busy in the transfer market, with deals agreed to bring former Leicester City winger Demarai Gray back to the Premier League from Bayer Leverkusen, as well as the free transfer acquisitions of Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic.
Everton Interested in Burnley’s Dwight McNeil
Youngster is One of Sean Dyche’s Most Valuable Assets
It is clear to see why new Everton manager Benitez is keen on bringing Dwight McNeil with him to the blue half of Merseyside. The 21-year-old has impressed since stepping up from Burnley’s U23 squad to the senior team in 2018 and has made the left-wing position his own in the years since.
Prising McNeil away from Turf Moor could prove a significant challenge for Everton this summer if they are to make an official approach to sign the player. Clarets owner Alan Pace plans to back manager Sean Dyche heavily in the transfer market – both in terms of incomings and outgoings – and the club is under no pressure to sell McNeil, who is under contract until July 2024.
The Rochdale-born left-winger has enhanced his developing credentials massively in each of the last two seasons, having only missed two Premier League games over the course of that timeframe. Last season, McNeil registered two goals and five assists as the Clarets comfortably secured their top-flight status.
Benitez Mixing Youth and Experience at Goodison Park
Spaniard Benitez is turning to both youthful and vastly experienced players as he looks to mould this Everton side in his image. Between them, incoming arrivals Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic have racked up over 490 Premier League appearances.
Meanwhile, Demarai Gray has yet to truly kickstart his Premier League career, despite having collected a winners’ medal in the competition with Leicester City in 2016. If he can add former Manchester United youth team player McNeil to that group, then Benitez will start the season with an appealing blend of youth and experience to choose from.
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