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Aston Villa backed to sign Dwight McNeil after £15m reveal - pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Aston Villa to make a “low-risk” £15million move for Burnley midfielder Dwight McNeil this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 22-year-old was a standout player for the Clarets prior to their relegation to the Championship.
According to the London Evening Standard (21 July), Burnley are ready to cash in on McNeil this summer and he could be available for £15million – amid interest from Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa, and West Ham.
The former England Under-21 international managed just one assist in 40 outings last season.
McNeil has already racked up 134 top-flight appearances, notching seven goals and 17 assists – despite only making his Premier League debut in 2018.
Aston Villa have already lost left winger Trezeguet to Trabzonspor thus far this summer.
When asked if McNeil could be an upgrade on the likes of Anwar El Ghazi at Villa Park, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Absolutely.
“He’s a smashing player and one who really stood out at Burnley. He’s very easy on the eye, he’s got that turn of pace – and a wonderful left foot.
“It’s a no-brainer for teams like Villa to go in and have a close look at McNeil. On his day he can score, create assists – and he’s got that bit of tenacity you need.
“For £15million, you’re not really taking too much of a risk with him. He’s going to have more plus points than negatives.”
Aston Villa have already secured the signings of Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara, Philippe Coutinho, Ludwig Augustinsson, and Robin Olsen this summer.
They limped to a 14th-place finish under Steven Gerrard last term.
In other news, pundit claims Tyrone Mings is now fighting for his Aston Villa place amid “1000%” claim.