Everton target Dwight McNeil has ‘significant release clause’ in Burnley contract

Everton are still interested in signing Burnley’s Dwight McNeil but are only likely to succeed if they meet his release clause, Ryan Taylor is reporting.

The journalist understands there is one in his contract and that the fee would be “significant” if this were to happen, but believes this is currently the only route available.

As a result, Taylor wrote on his Twitter account there is “no movement on that front this month”.

“After losing Chris Wood, doesn’t look like Burnley would entertain losing McNeil,” said the journalist in a YouTube transfer round-up video.

“Everton are interested and he remains a long-term target for the club. If Burnley were to go down, I’d expect them [Everton] to potentially move for him.”

Out of reach

The Everton ownership appear once again to be willing to back their manager financially with the Toffees one of the most active players in the transfer market this month.

Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson have already arrived and strong interest is known to be held in Sean Longstaff and Anwar El Ghazi.

But it seems unlikely they would be willing to stump up the level of cash necessary to bring the Burnley winger to Goodison in this window.

Everton

Cash-rich Newcastle have reportedly (Sky Sports) met the release clause of New Zealand striker Wood, believed to be around £25million.

But at eight years his junior at 22 and with a domestic premium McNeil’s clause is likely to be higher.

As Taylor noted, it would make little sense to make such an investment in a winger at this point considering the presence of Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and now Anthony Gordon.

Everton have gained somewhat of a reputation of being careless with money over the last few seasons, and are chasing El Ghazi, but would probably be better off spending elsewhere on the pitch currently.

In other Everton news, this big-money transfer is reportedly expected to be confirmed today.