Sky Sports journalist Alan Myers says Everton have yet to progress beyond ‘interest’ in the case of Burnley winger Dwight McNeil.
The lowdown
Myers’ colleague Pete Graves reported on Monday that the Blues were targeting McNeil.
That’s in addition to recruiting two other wide players in the form of free agent Andros Townsend and Bayer Leverkusen’s Demarai Gray.
McNeil made 36 league appearances for Burnley last season, helping the Clarets comfortably stave off relegation.
He scored two goals, provided five assists and created the second-most chances per 90 (1.3) in the squad behind Ashley Westwood (1.4).
McNeil signed a new contract last October, which runs until 2024 with the option for a further year. He’s valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt.
The latest
In a tweet, Myers explained that ‘it’s very much a case of just interest at this point‘, with McNeil a ‘much sought-after’ player given his impressive performances at Turf Moor.
He also expresses doubt as to whether Burnley would even sell the 21-year-old Englishman.
The verdict
Everton’s business so far doesn’t make for inspiring reading. Yes, they’re simply filling out the squad, but Townsend, Gray and Asmir Begovic probably aren’t players you’d want to be relying on in the event of an injury to a recognised star player like Richarlison or Jordan Pickford.
McNeil, on the other hand, would be a hugely exciting addition given his age and potential, and the rumours raise the mouthwatering prospect of him aiming balls at the head of Dominic Calvert-Lewin from the flanks.
Burnley have probably accepted that he will move on at some point, but they have every right to hit Everton with some lofty demands. Can the Toffees afford to meet them?
In other news, Everton have been urged to pursue this centre-back.
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