Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Burnley midfielder Dwight McNeil, according to Sky Sports.
The lowdown: In demand
A product of the youth system at Manchester United, McNeil cut his teeth in senior football in the Premier League and has racked up 134 appearances in the top-flight over five consecutive seasons, scoring seven goals and supplying 17 assists.
After suffering the indignity of relegation from the division with Burnley last season, the 22-year-old former England youth international is seemingly a wanted man with multiple suitors already in the mix.
Previously linked with a move to Everton, Tottenham, Brentford and newly promoted Fulham, an emerging report has claimed McNeil is now on the radar at Selhurst Park…
The latest: ‘Approach’ made
As per Sky Sports, Crystal Palace and West Ham have both made an ‘approach’ to sign the 10-cap England Under 21 starlet.
It’s claimed that McNeil is ‘keen to return to the Premier League’ and is currently ‘considering a number of options’ regarding his future.
The report also states that Burnley are ‘likely to demand a fee in excess of £15million’ for the youngster who was dubbed a ‘sensational player’ by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones back in June 2020.
The verdict: Strength in numbers
Eagles boss Patrick Vieira already has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in wide areas with Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Jeffrey Schlupp and Malcolm Ebiowei all capable of operating on both wings.
Furthermore, despite the incessant links to a move away from South East London, including this summer with AS Roma touted as potential suitors, talismanic winger Wilfried Zaha remains in situ in the Palace squad.
However, still just 22, McNeil has already proven to be a capable operator at the elite level and would therefore be a superb addition to the ranks ahead of what looks certain to be a long campaign with a World Cup thrown into the mix.
Although the Englishman supplied only one assist last season when appearing in all 38 Premier League matches, the £16.2million valued ace still managed to outperform Zaha when it comes to what many would say is the Ivorian’s forte by completing 2.4 successful dribbles per outing compared to the Palace favourite’s 2.3 completed attempts.
All told, at the suggested price, McNeil would be an impressive signing for the South East Londoners.
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