Newcastle were linked with Burnley winger Dwight McNeil in the summer, and his current manager Sean Dyche has admitted that he is resigned to losing the youngster at some point.
The timing of his announcement is strange, with the impending January transfer window a mere 21 days away, and it could be seen by interested clubs as a request for them to make The Clarets an offer.
According to the Sun, Dyche said: “Look, we know Dwight is a player who will certainly go beyond us – but in a positive way.
“We don’t remotely want to lose good players. But eventually some players will outgrow the club in the sense of a bigger club coming along and buying them because of their skill set.
“Dwight is clearly a top talent. He is playing and delivering every week.”
McNeil has started every Premier League game for Dyche’s side so far this season, and has one goal to his name, and a further four assists.
Fans would welcome a signing like McNeil
Newcastle’s alleged interest was mentioned after the appointment of Steve Bruce, and it was reportedly hoped he would kick-start the new era at the club.
But a deal never materialised, and it remains to be seen if Newcastle would consider touching base with Burnley over a possible January deal.
The reported fee was claimed to be around £30 million in the off-season, and it would be unlikely to have depreciated much since.
So it would be a huge statement of intent, were Lee Charnley to sanction a deal for the young starlet, and would be a signing that fans would surely welcome with open arms.
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