Burnley boss Vincent Kompany said he is watching how Dwight McNeil's situation develops "day-by-day" amid Everton's interest in the winger.
Frank Lampard has voiced his concern over the "void" in attacking options at his disposal, a situation worsened by the sale of Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues are now looking at McNeil as a possible solution and discussions over a potential deal are understood to be underway with the Clarets.
Burnley, relegated from the Premier League after Everton's late revival and Leeds United's last day escape, have taken the position they will not stand in the way of any player looking to return to the top flight. Kompany today appeared to accept the sale of some key players may be part of the "reality" of this summer at Turf Moor.
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Speaking after the pre-season defeat to Minnesota United last week, Lampard made clear his desire to bring in attacking reinforcements. He said: “There is no doubt about it. When you think of where we were last year, we have lost a big player in Richarlison… we wish him well, but our club now continues. We know there is a void in forward areas, we are short in numbers there. Also, through the team, there are things I want to strengthen, and I can be honest about that, because a club like Everton has to have a competitive squad."
The search for attacking recruits has seen the club monitor the situation of Chelsea striker Armando Broja and reportedly look at McNeil's teammate Maxwel Cornet, whose late winner at Turf Moor consigned Everton to a relegation fight last season. Talks were held with Jesse Lingard, who has since signed for Nottingham Forest. McNeil, now the subject of attention of the Blues, has played 134 times in the Premier League and, at the age of 22, fits the profile of player Everton are keen to pursue - young and eager to prove themselves.
Asked about the speculation surrounding McNeil's future, Kompany said on Wednesday: "I’ll have to see how it develops day-by-day." In the press conference comments, reported by Lancashire Live, he appeared to accept the sale of key players in order to fund efforts to strengthen the club's Championship ambitions was part of the "reality" at Turf Moor.
The interest in McNeil comes amid news Everton are considering allowing striker Ellis Simms to leave on loan. The 21-year-old was an unused substitute in the pre-season friendly with Blackpool on Sunday and is yet to play a minute this summer, despite travelling with the squad for the tour of the US. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray both missed the trip to Bloomfield Road as a "precaution", further highlighting Lampard's need for attacking reinforcements.
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