Newcastle should have pulled out all the stops to sign Burnley star Dwight McNeil in the summer transfer window.
What was the story?
The Chronicle suggested back in April that the England youth international was on the radar of the Magpies for the summer, and that the winger – valued at £35m – could have been allowed to leave Turf Moor.
The report added that the Magpies were “alerted to his availability by sources close to the player’s agency Unique Sports Management who also represent Toon players Jamaal Lascelles, Dwight Gayle, Paul Dummett and Karl Darlow”.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche admitted that he could see McNeil leaving the club, whilst the Clarets’ chairman opened the door for a potential move by revealing the financial impact placed upon the club by recent events.
Missed opportunity
Left-footed, incredibly talented at dribbling, and capable of moments of magic. Sound familiar for Newcastle fans? The Magpies bore witness to one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers on his day in Hatem Ben Arfa, with the Frenchman always having the potential to do something spectacular in his locker – you only have to look at his wonderful solo goal against Bolton to see that.
Last season in the Premier League, McNeil racked up six assists, whilst he averaged an impressive 1.3 shots, 1.4 key passes and two dribbles per game. As well as being capable of driving at opposition defences with his close control, the Englishman has got that ice-cold composure when he gets close to goal.
Burnley boss Dyche said: “He’s a really good player, he’s improving, his calmness at the end – I’m saying get it in the corner – but he cuts in, and his calmness to cross it into a dangerous area, and then gets his reward. Before then, his calmness to dribble out of trouble – he’s a really good player, really good, and he can only mature.”
Whilst he would have cost a pretty penny, at just 20, McNeil no doubt would have more than proven his value at St James’ Park.
