Although manager Rafa Benitez’s future is still up in the air as he awaits assurances from the Newcastle board, it hasn’t stopped the obligatory end-of-season transfer rumour mill from going into overdrive.
Bournemouth duo Ryan Fraser and David Brooks Newcastle United transfer gossip: Magpies linked with trio of Premier League starlets claimed that Benitez is keen to recruit Burnley youngster Dwight McNeil, who has impressed for the Clarets this season.
The 19-year-old midfielder has made 17 appearances in the Premier League so far for Sean Dyche’s side, with skilful play and pacey running helping him to three goals at Turf Moor.
It won’t be easy to attract the Rochdale-born winger, though, as he has also earned admiring glances from Arsenal, Everton and Champions Man City – all keen to bank in on McNeil’s promising potential.
With the mood upbeat on Tyneside after the Magpies virtually secured Premier League survival with a 1-0 win at Leicester last Friday, attention has now turned to potential incomings and this is what fans have had to say about the McNeil link.
Responding to NUFC360’s Tweet, fans said: “These are EXACTLY the type of players we should be looking at! Brilliant for his age and Prem ready.”
“What a signing he would be.”
However, not all Newcastle fans are as hopeful…
“He’ll cost about £20M. If we won’t pay £16M for Rondon, our best player this year, no way we’ll pay that for McNeil.”
“I reckon 5 mil and a holiday to Benidorm for Dychey may be enough to tempt him?”
“No chance on the Bournemouth pair. McNeil I can see but there’s always a premium price on British players so we could be priced out.”
“Realistically, McNeil has only just come onto the scene so will stay at Burnley.”
“Dream on.”
“I think signing Rafa is the priority...”
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