---
title: "Reporter tips Villa to move for McNeil as Smith Rowe back-up option"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/reporter-tips-villa-to-move-for-mcneil-as-smith-rowe-back-up-option-e169/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Danny Rust"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2021-07-14T06:00:55Z"
modified: "2021-07-14T06:00:55Z"
---

# Reporter tips Villa to move for McNeil as Smith Rowe back-up option

**[Express & Star](https://www.expressandstar.com/) journalist Luke Hatfield expects Aston Villa to target Burnley winger Dwight McNeil if they cannot persuade Arsenal to sell Emile Smith Rowe.**

Villa boss Dean Smith has been keen to bolster his options after a promising second season back in the Premier League.

However, he has been frustrated in his attempts to sign attacking midfielder Smith Rowe, with Arsenal [rejecting](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57644350) two big-money bids for the 20-year-old.

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It has been [reported](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9763617/Aston-Villa-preparing-bid-Arsenals-Emile-Smith-Rowe-two-rejected-bids-already.html) that Villa will return with a third bid for the England under-21 international, although it is clear the Gunners do not want to sell as they are looking to tie Smith Rowe down to a new [five-year deal](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/15556425/smith-rowe-arsenal-aston-villa-transfer/).

As a result, McNeil has been identified as an alternative to Smith Rowe, much to the [delight](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-mcneil-21020253) of the club’s fans.

Despite being just 21, the winger has already made [96 Premier League appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dwight-mcneil/leistungsdaten/spieler/584769), contributing seven goals and 16 assists.

Burnley will not want to lose their talisman, but Hatfield has tipped Smith to plot a move if Smith Rowe commits his future to Arsenal.

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Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Hatfield said: *“The question, I suppose, is with Burnley. Would they be willing to sell him? They have got new owners in so are they looking to keep hold of players like that, or is there a price tag which both clubs can agree on?*

*“I think Villa are favouring Smith Rowe over him, judging by the interest we have seen there and the bids they have put in. But maybe he could be a back-up option if the Smith Rowe stuff doesn’t work out.”*