Having added a rather unexpected second signing of the summer transfer window with Ruben Vinagre joining the squad, rumours claim Everton have now signed Dwight McNeil as well.
This is all a bit dizzying for Everton supporters so used to our club taking it’s time to make transfer deals while others move quickly and secure their targets.
Now, after so many rumours and so little concrete action, the Blues’ have brought in two players in less than 24 hours.
A deal for McNeil was rumoured last summer as then manager Rafa Benitez was a big admirer of him, but it never happened with Burnley reluctant to sell before the Premier League season.
And, as the Toffees’ were basically skint anyway they probably couldn’t have afforded a fee even if the Clarets had been open to offers.
The link tentatively re-appeared again ealier this summer but then like so many others related to this or that player, went quiet again.
In fact, just recently it seemed as though there might be more concrete interest from the Blues in McNeil’s team-mate, Maxwel Cornet.
Signing Cornet made some sense as he offered a real goal threat (which the Toffees’ certainly need more of after Richarlison’s departure) and could operate as a wide attacker or if needed a left wing-back too.
But now Everton have brought in Vinagre with the Portuguese offering similar attacking qualities – although not Cornet’s goals – and so attention has switched to McNeil.
Anyway, going after McNeil, which the Blues’ are now it seems doing successfully, is not I think an entirely clear cut decision.
The young winger burst onto the scene and he was among others a highly rated talent who was attracting attention from several other Premier League clubs. He also scored a memorable winner at Goodison Park in a Clarets victory over Everton.
Last season though he didn’t have a strong campaign and in truth seemed to take a step back in his development. Certainly the assists and most of all goals, weren’t there anyway.
McNeil is though still very young and so has plenty of time to mature and if we’re trying to be hopeful, fulfill that potential. The question is do Everton have time to wait for a player they have now apparently signed for a considerable fee to do just that?
I’m not convinced and instead I reckon the club should have concentrated their limited finances on getting Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis as a priority.
The Nigerian is a proven Premier League performer who can offer most importantly goals (something McNeil didn’t last season) and which recent friendlies have once again underlined the Toffees’ are so much in need of.
Presumably now they won’t be able to sign Dennis, assuming they are genuinly interested, and also strengthen in midfield as Frank Lampard and everyone else knows they must do.
So, after all this frantic activity over the last day or so who knows what now might be next for the Blues’?