According to a recent report by Chronicle Live, Newcastle United have been made aware of the availability of Burnley wide player Dwight McNeil, who has a £35m valuation, this summer. It is believed that sources close to the player’s agency Unique Sports Management have alerted the Magpies about the Clarets winger’s current situation ahead of what could be a potential move during the summer transfer window (via Chronicle Live).
McNeil’s Incredible Rise At Turf Moor
The Rochdale-born talent had endured a campaign of mixed emotions in the Premier League before the football world came to a standstill because of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. McNeil has registered two goals and five assists in 31 matches for Sean Dyche’s side this term in all competitions. Even though the 20-year-old has struggled to find consistency in terms of his end-product in the final third, yet his crucial contributions have helped the Lancashire outfit steer clear of the relegation zone and climb to the top half of the league table.
The English wing wizard has averaged 1.2 shots, 1.5 key passes and 2.1 dribbles in every 90 minutes of English top-flight football this season which goes to show how influential he has been for the Clarets going forward. He has also done his fair share of defensive work down the left flank as evidenced by his average of 1.4 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 0.6 clearances per game in league football (stats via whoscored).
McNeil has represented England at various youth levels but has not been good enough to feature for Gareth Southgate’s senior side so far. Maybe a change of scenery this summer could help him take his game to the next level so that he can catch the attention of the Three Lions boss in the coming years.
What Will The English Youngster Add To Bruce’s Side?
McNeil can put his pace to good use when dribbling with the ball down the left-wing. He showcases sensational ball-control and tends to stay at his feet while trying to go behind the opposition defence at every chance he gets. The English prospect can also whip in some dangerous crosses into the opposition penalty box but is sometimes guilty of being a bit wasteful with the scoring opportunities that fall in his path.
Should Newcastle Make A Move For McNeil This Summer?
At 20, McNeil still has a lot to learn before he is ready to find success in the Premier League. At the moment, he will add another dimension to the Magpies attack. The former Manchester United youth product will be a perfect fit for the Tyneside outfit as Steve Bruce will play to his strengths as he often instructs his wingers to stretch the pitch so that they can feed some decent balls to the Newcastle centre-forward up top. McNeil has all the skillset needed to make a significant impact at St. James’ Park.
The Burnley wide player will also provide some healthy competition for the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Christian Atsu in the race for the left midfield position in Bruce’s starting XI. He will also allow the Magpies head coach to be more flexible when selecting his teams and tactical set-ups next season which is why Newcastle should orchestrate a move to bring him to Tyneside before the start of the new season.
