Why Crystal Palace should go all out to sign Dwight McNeil in January

According to The Sun, Crystal Palace are considering a £20million bid for Burnley winger Dwight McNeil in January if Wilfried Zaha leaves.

Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, who wanted to leave the club this past summer, will be hot property in January, with Chelsea a possible suitor, as per the report.

The Eagles are huge admirers of Dwight McNeil and want him to replace Zaha, who has acted as the South London club’s driving force in the attack for the past few seasons.

Dwight McNeil, 20, enjoyed his breakthrough campaign at Burnley last season under Sean Dyche. He has nailed down his place in the starting XI this season with some impressive performances down the left flank. The England U21 international has four assists and one goal in 16 appearances so far this season.

Inevitably, the former Manchester United youngster is a man in demand, with Palace wanting to sign him. That being said, the South Londoners should go all out to sign McNeil when the transfer market opens next month.

Zaha may not have enjoyed the best of starts to the season but he has been a talismanic figure for the Eagles over the last few campaigns. He failed to get his big-money transfer in the past but the club are bracing themselves for offers next month.

Chelsea are keen to secure the Ivory Coast international’s services after having their transfer ban overturned. As the likes of Willian and Pedro are set to enter the final six months of their contracts, the Blues want the Palace star as a replacement. (h/t The Sun)

Roy Hodgson’s Palace have been really good this season but they must improve both the quality and the depth of their squad if they are to finish in the top-eight.

One particular area where the London outfit needs to strengthen is the wing, with not only more competition required for the likes of Andros Townsend and Jeffrey Schlupp, but also a replacement if Zaha departs.

In that regard, Hodgson should make a move for McNeil, who Burnley rate in excess of £20million, as per The Sun.

More Crystal Palace News

• Why Fabio Borini would be a good addition to Crystal Palace’s squad
• Why Crystal Palace should make a move for Eberechi Eze in January
• Why Crystal Palace signing Muhammadu Faal would be good

A traditional winger, McNeil is already firmly established as a Premier League regular, with his exceptional displays making him integral to Dyche’s plans at Turf Moor. He has always displayed maturity beyond his tender years and would bring a certain kind of directness to Palace’s play in the final third.

Verdict

McNeil is a burgeoning talent and has the qualities to become a superstar in the future. If Hodgson manages to bring the 20-year-old to Selhurst Park, it could turn out to be a signing of real significance for Palace.