According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace and West Ham are in talks with Burnley over Dwight McNeil, after Tottenham also made contact.
What’s the story?
Well, the 22-year-old unfortunately suffered relegation to the Championship last season, although he is said to be interested in an immediate return to the Premier League.
Sky Sports believe Crystal Palace and West Ham are now in talks with the Clarets, who are hoping to receive over £15m for McNeil.
The news comes after Spurs got in touch with Burnley, while Newcastle also enquired about the England Under-21 international.
McNeil made 40 appearances in all competitions last season, providing just one assist despite featuring heavily on both the right and left flanks.
Sky Sports add that Burnley are in a strong negotiating position as they enter talks with the Eagles and the Hammers, because the Rochdale-born winger still has two years remaining on his contract at Turf Moor.
Burnley also hold an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
Sky Sports also mention that Patrick Vieira and David Moyes see McNeil as a primary target, given his vast amount of Premier League experience at the age of 22.
So far in his career, the Burnley No.11 has made 134 appearances in England’s top-flight.
Forget Crystal Palace & West Ham – Dwight McNeil would suit Tottenham
In our view, Antonio Conte would have a transformative impact on McNeil’s career if he manages to bring the experienced winger to N17.
Highlights of McNeil’s best bits at Burnley often show him hugging the touchline out wide, before delivering a brilliant piece of end product, usually in the form of a cross.
He also possesses bundles of energy to get up and down the flank, and there, we believe he would make a fine wing-back in Conte’s preferred system, which doesn’t accommodate for out-and-out wingers.
Spurs do appear to be keen on signing a left wing-back, amid talk of a move for Marc Cucurella.
However, with the Spaniard looking likely to join Manchester City, a move for McNeil wouldn’t be a bad alternative.
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