Newcastle United could now make a summer move for Dwight McNeil.
The prolonged search for a winger continues, and it could lead us back to a club we’ve already dealt with this summer – Burnley.
Eddie Howe brought Nick Pope in from the Clarets, and now McNeil could follow him to St James’ Park. He would be the third Burnley player signed by the new owners, after Chris Wood made the move from Turf Moor in January.
Wood would certainly be a fan of McNeil moving to the North East, calling him ‘extraordinary‘ last year.
However, it all depends on what Leeds decide to do regarding Jack Harrison.
If Harrison bid is rejected, Newcastle could move for McNeil
Newcastle are currently trying to sign Harrison from Leeds. He’s been the club’s top target since Moussa Diaby stated that he would be staying with Bayer Leverkusen.
The Magpies have bid £17million for the 25-year-old, and are only willing to go as high as £25million. But that’s not enough for Leeds, who value Harrison at £35million.
That could prove to be too much for Newcastle, who are now looking at alternatives to the Diaby alternative. And that brings us to McNeil.
The Sun report that we will make a move for the 22-year-old if Leeds continue to decline our Harrison approaches.
McNeil would perhaps be deemed a step down from Harrison, but he would be a lot cheaper. £20million cheaper, in fact.
While Leeds want £35million for Harrison, McNeil could cost just £15million. Financially, moving for the latter would make more sense. We would be getting a younger player with decent potential for much less money.
However, McNeil would arrive on the back of a poor season for Burnley. If he did sign, he wouldn’t suddenly be an automatic starter like Harrison would be.
It depends how Newcastle want to spend their money this summer. If we’re trying to stretch out the budget, buying McNeil for £15million then spending the rest on a striker makes sense. However, we are being linked with better wingers, so spending more money on one player might be more beneficial.
Are we looking for quality over quantity? That’s for Howe and Dan Ashworth to decide.
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