Aston Villa are strongly rivalling Everton with their interest in Burnley winger Dwight McNeil as their summer recruitment drive continues, as per Liverpool Echo.
The Lowdown: Aston Villa looking to hit the ground running in 2021/22
Looking towards the start of the Premier League campaign, Dean Smith will be keen to add to his impressive spending spree this window as he looks to improve on Villa's 11th-placed finish last term.
The Midlands outfit have already completed the signings of free agent Ashley Young and the £33m purchase of former Norwich City talisman Emiliano Buendia [ITV].
Could the Villains be set for a third signing in quick succession following recent developments?
The Latest: Aston Villa in pole position to capture McNeil
Aston Villa are said to be in pole position to sign McNeil from Burnley, who may cost around £25m to acquire.
Divisional rivals Everton are also keen on the 21-year-old's services, although the Villans appear to be front-runners in the chase for the winger [Liverpool Echo].
The Verdict: McNeil would be an astute addition
Being able to bring in someone like McNeil would be a very exciting coup for the Midlands outfit. Capable of being a game-changer due to his dribbling and crossing abilities, he would offer service befitting of a potent striker such as Ollie Watkins.
The Burnley ace impressed in 2020/21, chipping in with seven goal contributions from 40 outings with two goals and five assists [Transfermarkt]. He consistently threatened opposition backlines, completing 1.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League [WhoScored].
McNeil also managed to successfully put in 1.4 crosses per game [WhoScored], showing his propensity to create chances for his team-mates. Watkins, who scored 14 top-flight goals last season, could do wonders with such abundant service.
Once dubbed as having ‘great quality’ by Clarets manager Sean Dyche [Central Fife Times], Villa should look to beat all competitors to McNeil's signature.
In other news, many Aston Villa fans react to a potential Villa Park exit.