Everton opinion: Should the Toffees sign Dwight McNeil from Burnley?

According to a report from the Burnley Express, Everton are one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Burnley starlet, Dwight McNeil.

The winger, 19, broke through into the Clarets’ first-team, making 26 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals. He was called up to the England under-20 team thanks to his impressive displays, and has represented his country at the Toulon Tournament in France this summer.

Along with Everton; Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United are all monitoring the teenager ahead of a potential summer move.

With the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal interested in Dwight McNeil, it would be difficult for Everton to get the wide-man but they must do everything possible to sign him from Burnley this summer.

The Toffees struggled for goals last season, with the likes of Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson sharing the burden regardless of not being out-and-out strikers.

Due to overreliance on Richarlison and Sigurdsson, Everton were predictable going forward at times in Marco Silva’s debut season at Goodison Park. That must change next season if Silva aspires to break into the top-six.

Before signing a new attacker, one player who Silva must offload this summer is Theo Walcott. He joined Everton in January 2018 from Arsenal and after impressing in the first few months, his form has faded drastically.

The 30-year-old’s inconsistency and lack of end product has been a serious concern around Goodison Park and by selling Walcott, Silva could encourage young talent to replace him.

Dwight McNeil could be that player for Everton, although he played the majority of his breakthrough season at Turf Moor on the left-wing. The 19-year-old possesses good pace, dribbling skills, movement and energy to run around the pitch non-stop for 90 minutes. He backs his ability to take on his man and beat him, while his spatial awareness belie his age.

The England youth international’s pace and agility coupled with his direct approach would make him suited to Silva’s expansive style of football at the Goodison Park.

McNeil could bring the freshness and energy to the Everton attack, whilst potentially forming a thrilling attacking-quartet with the likes of Sigurdsson, Richarlison and Bernard.

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The former Manchester United youth product can be frustrating at times due to his decision-making in the final third, but he is a raw product at 19 and Silva could be the right manager to oversee his development at Goodison Park.

Verdict

McNeil has a long way to go after his impressive breakthrough season with Burnley. He signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Sean Dyche’s team at the turn of the year, thus, he won’t be available for cheap and Everton must show a willingness to meet Burnley’s demands.