According to a recent report by the Daily Star, Newcastle United are monitoring the development of Burnley winger Dwight McNeil. The same source has also revealed that Rafael Benitez is on the lookout for a new midfielder during the summer transfer period and McNeil fits the bill perfectly.
However, the Daily Star has also claimed that a whole host of clubs which include Manchester City, Arsenal and Everton are keeping tabs on the English wide man along with the Magpies so it won’t be easy for Benitez to win the race for his signature.
The Rapid Rise Of Dwight McNeil
McNeil has enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough year after he managed to establish himself as a first-team starter at the Turf Moor earlier this season. The Rochdale-born talent has put in a series of eye-catching performances for the Clarets under the expert stewardship of Sean Dyche this term.
The former Manchester United youth prospect has featured in 22 matches for the Lancashire outfit this season, scoring three goals while grabbing five assists across all competitions. At 19, he has a lot of time to improve his game and become a world-class player in his position over the next few years.
What Does McNeil Offer On The Pitch?
McNeil is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents coming out of the Premier League so Newcastle would do well to lure him to Tyneside next summer. The Burnley wonderkid has a decent burst of pace and can be a potent weapon down the left flank. The English starlet is also quite direct with his runs as he is not afraid to take on his marker in the wide areas.
The Magpies need to improve their squad for the long-run, so the potential acquisition of someone of McNeil’s potential will be a perfect signing for them in this off-season. The 19-year-old has all the attributes to be a success at St. James’ Park in the coming years.
Should Newcastle Make A Move For The Burnley Teenager?
However, the Burnley sensation is yet to prove his worth at the highest level for a sustained period. Thus, it could be a gamble for the Magpies to spend some of their hard-earned transfer budget on such a raw talent. However, one can argue that the risk is well worth the reward so Newcastle should consider recruiting him to bolster their options for the new campaign.