Everton expect to face a real battle with Aston Villa for the signing of Burnley winger Dwight McNeil – if Jack Grealish leaves.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who report that Villa still want to sign McNeil despite adding Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.
If Grealish signs for Manchester City in a £100million deal – which now looks very likely – then Villa will enter the market for another winger.
McNeil is wanted at Villa Park, and Everton seemingly believe that Villa will make their move for the Burnley star if armed with a windfall from selling Grealish.
Everton may have some hope though; the report notes that Burnley wanted Jonjoe Kenny in January, and the Toffees could throw him into a bid for McNeil.
Kenny is back at Goodison Park after a disappointing loan spell at Celtic, and may well be moved on this summer.
As for McNeil, the 21-year-old is one of the most underrated wingers in the Premier League and recorded two goals and five assists for Burnley last season.
Despite adding Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, Rafael Benitez still wants another wide man, with McNeil the main target as things stand.
Everton seemingly fear that Villa will make a move too though, meaning the Toffees may have to move quickly.
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