Everton yet to formalise "strong interest" in Burnley wideman Dwight McNeil

Everton have yet to formalise their "strong interest" in Burnley winger Dwight McNeil.
Dwight McNeilDwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil

Like Aston Villa, who continue to be linked with a move for the Clarets' crown jewel, but have yet to firm up their interest with an official offer https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/aston-villa-yet-to-make-their-move-for-burnley-winger-dwight-mcneil-but-villans-would-have-competition-for-england-under-21-ace-3301857 - Everton s reported interest is just that at present.

As Express Sport reported earlier this month, the Villans would face competition for McNeil’s signature, and it appears the Toffees are keen, as they look to improve the supply line to England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored the most headed goals in the Premier League last season with seven, including one against the Clarets at Goodison Park, in a game McNeil lit up with a goal of the season contender.

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Rafa Benitez is close to securing deals for wingers Andros Townsend, on a free transfer from Crystal Palace, and former Leicester man Demarai Gray, for £1.5m from Bayer Leverkusen, and could also move for McNeil as well.

But I understand, despite reports of a potential £25m bid, Everton are not thought to be set to step up their interest imminently.

Burnley are in a position where they would only sell if it was on their terms, and are likely to demand a fee in excess of the £25m record Everton paid to secure Michael Keane four years ago, with the player identified as the Clarets’ biggest asset – with the CIES Football Observatory’s algorithm valuing the player at between €50-70m, or £43-60m, representing 35.3% of the club’s entire estimated transfer value.

It remains to be seen whether Everton return with a cash offer plus add ons, plus a player or two in the deal, with Burnley holding a historical interest in Toffees' right back Jonjoe Kenny.

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McNeil is happy to stay at Turf Moor, only signing a new deal in October, as he said in April: “I have loved the club ever since I have been here and I know the manager and the lads so well.

"I know the team we have and I am comfortable and have played a lot of football and have enjoyed my football the most at Burnley."

And on his contract extension, he added: "I had a talk with my dad and my family and we came to the conclusion that the best decision, the right decision, was to sign another contract and have that reassurance of being part of a team and having that establishment within the team.

"The gaffer calls it (transfer speculation) 'outside noise' and we didn't hear anything. It was a simple answer for me and the family to sign a new contract with the club.

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"I know all the players so well and what they think of me as a player and a person. It's such a good team to be a part of and that's another reason that made it so easy to sign the contract in the summer - with the team we have here and the management."