Everton have reached a full deal with Burnley to sign former Manchester United player Dwight McNeil, The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano report. The 22-year-old winger is expected to be the third signing of the summer and is already at Finch Farm to complete his medical.
Everton strike deal with Burnley for former Manchester United man Dwight McNeil
Everton are ready to finalize the deal with Dwight McNeil. Full deal with Burnley, fee can be up to £19/20 million add-ons included – Lampard trusts him as good talent for now and in the future. 🚨🔵 #E FC
Medically underway, McNeil will soon follow Vinagre as new Everton signing. pic.twitter.com/EytS5SpfAI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2022
McNeil will join with a lot of experience and aided by Manchester United Release
The Merseyside side has agreed to pay a fee of around £20million for the youngster, the report adds. The Burnley Academy product released by Manchester United as a schoolboy has already nearly completed its medical tests with the Premier League squad and has also signed a five-year contract with them.
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The Toffees have long had an interest in attracting McNeil and have been following him for quite some time. They were also interested in signing Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet before closing this deal. After barely surviving relegation last season, Frank Lampard is still bolstering his squad to face a bigger battle in the campaign ahead.
Despite his young age, McNeill has made over 100 Premier League appearances and was one of Burnley’s shining attacking players during their time in England’s top division. Indeed, the 22-year-old scored 24 goals (7 goals, 17 assists) in 134 appearances for the Clarets in the Premier League.
While McNeil was training at the United Academy with the likes of Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood, they released him when he was just 14, and he’s since come to realize this was a blessing in disguise.
McNeil’s cross-ability is considered one of his greatest assets, as he can hit some very inviting balls into the penalty area. The winger is also very versatile and can play on either side, as a fullback or even in a more defensive role if needed.
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He earned high praise from ex-Burnley manager Sean Dyche in 2020 when the 22-year-old played in an attacking midfield role against Crystal Palace. Dyche labeled him a “very flexible player” due to his versatility and seemed very fond of the winger during his tenure at Turf Moor.
Everton’s Summer Transfer Activities So Far
If all goes well, McNeill will become Everton’s third signing for the summer transfer window. They signed ex-Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski on a free transfer earlier this summer to bolster their backline.
read more: Every Premier League transfer completed in summer 2022
They also bought former Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Ruben Vinagre on a free deal earlier on Wednesday.