Dwight McNeil in action for Burnley.(Getty images)
According to Daily Mail, Crystal Palace have identified Burnley forward Dwight McNeil to bolster their attacking unit ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
McNeil, 20, is a product of Manchester United’s youth academy. He joined Burnley’s U18 side in the summer of 2014 and has risen through the Clarets’ youth ranks. He made a breakthrough at the end of the 2017/18 season and since then, he has been a regular member of Sean Dyche’s team.
The youngster’s rise in the past few years has been brilliant and he has gone from strength to strength. He has also become a regular member of England’s U21 squad. His impressive performances have garnered attention from Manchester United and Everton, as per the report.
Palace, meanwhile, have endured a mixed campaign so far. After making a good start to the season, they went on a seven-match winless streak, which began from the end of December up to February. However, after winning all of their last three games, the Eagles have reached the 11th place in the league standings.
Roy Hodgson’s men have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. And one of the chief reasons for their lacklustre performance is the lack of intensity in the attacking unit. The Eagles have managed to score just 21 goals so far, which is the second-lowest goal tally in the league.
Former Swansea City man Jordan Ayew is their top scorer with 8 goals and Christian Benteke has netted just once. Hence, it is clear that the manager needs to bring in reinforcements to their attacking unit to lead the line.
Apart from a striker, Hodgson has to make sure to bring in wingers to the squad. Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend are the only two wingers available at the manager’s disposal. Both of them have been impressive so far, with the former scoring 3 and assisting 5 goals, while the latter has one goal and assist apiece.
However, Zaha could be on his way out of the club with the Ivorian already having made known his desire to leave the club last season, as per the report. And, Palace are also willing to sell him this summer if they receive the right offer. And this would leave the club with limited options in the wide areas.
In that regard, signing McNeil would be a good choice for the club’s future. The 20-year-old has been brilliant in the last two seasons. He has already made 51 appearances in the Premier League despite his tender age, showing he can perform it at this level.
In 29 league games this term, McNeil has already racked up 2 goals and 5 assists. And has already shown his potentials at a higher level. He would definitely add depth to Palace’s squad and with experience, replace Zaha as the leader of the attack.
McNeil is 20 and has a bright future ahead of him. Given the Eagles’ lack of depth in the wide areas, they need to bring in youngsters to bolster their attacking unit. And the former Manchester United academy graduate would provide them with much-needed creativity and goals from the flanks. Thus, Palace making a move for the English youth international would be a wise decision.
