Kevin Campbell: Dwight McNeil is perfect at £25million for Everton
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell has urged Everton to splash the cash on the signing of Burnley attacking midfielder Dwight McNeil this summer.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the 21-year-old would cost suitors around £25million, with the Toffees looking to sign three wingers this transfer window.
Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have joined manager Rafa Benitez squad, with the former costing £1.7million, while the latter joined for free.
It remains to be seen whether Everton would be keen to spend £25million on McNeil, but Campbell believes the highly-rated Burnley ace is worth every penny.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell said: “I think £25million is about right, to be honest, I think he’s a quality player. He scored a screamer against Everton last season at Goodison Park. Somebody like him, he works hard, he’s up and down, he’s got a wand of a left foot, and this is the type of players that Calvert-Lewin needs.
“You need a player who’s going to be productive, doesn’t necessarily need to beat his man either, can beat him, but he can deliver quality balls into the box where Calvert-Lewin can dominate.
“Again, you can see what Rafa Benitez, what his philosophy is starting to be, getting players who are productive in that wide area.”
Great potential
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made no secret of his admiration for McNeil last summer and was looking to bring him to the Etihad Stadium after Leroy Sane left for Bayern Munich [ESPN].
Aston Villa are currently keeping tabs on the former Manchester United schoolboy and Everton would need to meet Burnley’s demands to have any chance of landing him.
The Turf Moor side know the quality of player they have got on their hands, and we would be showing ambition by parting with £25million for the youngster.
McNeil is a type of player Benitez would love on his team given his defensive abilities, and the Spaniard can make him a better player going forward.
The England youth international has seven goals and 16 assists in 96 Premier League appearances for Burnley, and would do well in the final third in a team that plays on the front foot.
Burnley’s strikers have largely relied on his perfect crosses, and Benitez wants someone capable of delivering something similar for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
McNeill is his man, but Everton would need to bring out the chequebook to get a deal done, and we believe it could be worth it given his huge potential.
In other Everton news, Benitez reveals 30y/o Toffees man wants to play for England again after major development.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.