Everton and Aston Villa in for Burnley's McNeil

 

Everton have joined Aston Villa in pursuit of Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, claims The Liverpool Echo.

 

Rafa Benitez's side are in the process of signing Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray but are keen to bolster their wide areas further this summer.

 

Everton played the likes of James Rodriguez and Gylfi Sigurdsson out wide last season, while neither Alex Iwobi nor Bernard are typical wingers.

 

The Toffees have earmarked McNeil as a top transfer target as a result and expect Burnley to sell for a price in the region of £25m.

 

However, Everton can expect stiff competition from Premier League rivals Villa for his signature if the Clarets give the greenlight for his departure.

 

Villa target Emile Smith Rowe is set to sign a new contract with Arsenal despite Dean Smith's side bidding £30m for him and they are now looking at alternatives.

 

 

McNeil, who came through Manchester United's youth academy, has started 72 of a possible 76 Premier League matches for Burnley over the last two seasons.

 

In that time, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (148) has delivered more accurate crosses than McNeil (122) in the Premier League.