Everton could reportedly sign player who Trent Alexander-Arnold once really struggled to defend against

Wed 27 July 2022 19:15, UK

Everton are in advanced talks to bring Dwight McNeil to Goodison Park, according to .

The outlet claims the Toffees are hopeful of agreeing a deal for the Burnley star this week.

Everton are hoping to make McNeil their third signing this summer.

So far, the Blues have landed James Tarkowski on a free and snapped up Ruben Vinagre from Sporting CP on loan.

Meanwhile, the Clarets stand to lose another key player following their relegation to the Championship.

As well as Tarkowski, Burnley have also lost Ben Mee, Nathan Collins and Wout Weghorst.

The has also reported on Everton’s pursuit of McNeil.

They claim negotiations are now ongoing between Burnley and Everton to reach an agreement.

The Toffees are reportedly waiting to see if the Clarets will agree to the fee being paid in instalments.

McNeil has two years left on his contract at Turf Moor and Burnley also have the option to extend his deal until 2025.

“I didn’t realise how good he was”

It’s no surprise to see Everton – and multiple other clubs – eyeing McNeil.

At just 22, he has already made appearances for Burnley, of which have come in the Premier League.

McNeil has impressed at the highest level and, in August 2021, pundits loved what they saw from him in the 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

“I didn’t realise how good he was,” Peter Crouch said on BT Sport, via .

“He looked fitter, stronger faster in some way. He’s a wonderful footballer.”

Joe Cole went further, comparing him to Argentina international Angel Di Maria.

“Without sounding to give him a big up, he reminds me of Di Maria,” said the former Chelsea man.

“He’s perfect for Dyche. He’s played directly against Trent who had a good game.

“I want to see him freed up a bit more.”

Further back, in March 2019, then then 19-year-old McNeil gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a tough time in a 4-2 loss to the Reds.

“Absolutely top-drawer performance from Dwight McNeil,” Sean Dyche told a post-match news conference ().

“I thought he was winning the battle (against Alexander Arnold), I’ve got to be honest and [against] a fantastic right-back as well,” Dyche said.

“Thought Dwight was outstanding – just his composure and his belief in what he does.

“I could have taken him off but I didn’t want to. I was enjoying his performance that much – I thought, ‘No, no, no – you keep playing, son’.

“It’s fantastic to see the youngsters going on and doing that, fantastic.”