Leicester City are reportedly monitoring Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, as they look to add more depth to their squad.
McNeil started every game for the Clarets in the recently concluded Premier League season, and is one of the brightest young upcoming players.
Leicester City had a good season under Brendan Rodgers, but squad depth ultimately cost them a place in the top four.
Now, as per Leicester Mercury, the Foxes are keeping close tabs on the talented English winger.
McNeil has three years left on his current contract with Burnley, with an option for a further year, and will not available for cheap.
Leicester will not have it all their way in the market, though, as Wolves, AC Milan, and Juventus are also reportedly in the race to sign McNeil.
Dwight McNeil – Player Profile
McNeil started his youth career at Manchester United, before he was released by them when he was a 14-year old. After his successful trial with Burnley, he has made quick progress and made his way through to the first team.
He made his debut for Burnley in 2018, and impressed consistently to become a regular part of the first team.
In 38 league appearances last season, McNeil scored 2 goals and bagged 6 assists, and was a vital player for manager Sean Dyche.
The makings of a top player?
Rodgers does have Ayoze Perez, Marc Albrighton, and Demarai Gray to choose from, but considering that all of them are right-footed, and are more of inverted wingers, there is a need for something different in the squad.
McNeil is a versatile player who can operate on either flank as well as a central attacking midfielder.
His numbers are not that great, but Burnley have an extremely pragmatic approach that is perhaps stifling his talents. The 20-year old is extremely good when it comes to picking a cross into the box, and can stretch defences with his movement.
Despite being just 20, McNeil has shown an incredible level of composure that belies his age. He managed an average of 1.4 key passes a game, and that could increase further at a club like Leicester with better attacking players.
McNeil also managed an average of 2 dribbles a game, which is impressive considering he isn’t the quickest. A good technician, he will only get better in the future, and would be a good long-term.
Rodgers has developed some young talents into household names in his managerial career, and McNeil could benefit from working with the Ulsterman. It remains to be seen, though, if the Foxes will stump up the cash for the 20-year old.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
