Everton said to be interested in adding another Burnley star to their squad
After completing the signing of Burnley defender James Tarkowski on a free transfer, Everton are again being linked with a move for his team-mate winger Dwight McNeil.
It’s a story we’ve seen before and Everton were said to be strongly interested in him in last years’ transfer window, but as we all know funds were scarce and in the end nothing came of this with Rafa Benitez bringing in Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend instead.
There is of course likely to be something of a firesale at Turf Moor this summer and most of their best players are expected to leave after the Clarets were relegated to the Championship.
The Blues’ have already taken advantage by bringing in Tarkowski, although we’ve heard that no formal announcement is happening at least before the end of the month.
That’s because of stories about the apparently fragile relations between the clubs following the end of last season when Burnley together with Leeds were in touch with the authorities over the Toffees’ finances, and whether the club was in breach of Premier League rules.
This strained relationship with the Lancashire club, is one of several reasons why it’s unlikely Everton will get McNeil, if indeed they are interested in signing him.
As reports indicate the talented and previously highly-rated 22-year-old is certain to have other suitors this summer.
One of those appears to be Newcastle United. And, with their new found wealth and financial resources together with having finished last season much more strongly than the Blues,’ I would think if they’re keen on McNeil then Tyneside will be a more probable destination for him.
Another alledgedly interested party is Tottenham. The north London club (who have been strongly linked of course with a move for Toffees’ star Richarlison) can offer Champions League football too, a potentially strong incentive.
Despite his undoubted ability though, McNeil didn’t have a productive campaign last time out and managed only a solitary Premier League assist without scoring a single goal.
And so, I think there are other players who would probably be a better addition to the Blues’ squad such as Emmanuel Dennis. Although McNeil is a young forward with time to develop and memorably scored a superb goal at Goodison Park in a Burnley win there two seasons ago.
This, and the fact that a fee of around £20 million is being quoted, would seem prohibitive and I feel Everton are better off looking at other options and players who can contribute more immediately.