Everton winger Dwight McNeil has been linked with a move to Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest.
Former Everton boss Dyche took over at the City Ground this week, with Forest currently in the relegation zone.
Dyche is the third permanent manager to take charge this season as Evangelos Marinakis’ revolving door continues to operate.
Indeed, Dyche will look to strengthen in January, and is reportedly keen on a reunion with Everton outcast Dwight McNeil.
McNeil has previously played under Dyche at the Toffees and Burnley, where he formed a partnership with Chris Wood.
With Wood now leading the line at Forest, Dyche is reportedly keen to recreate their collaboration.
MCNEIL NOW SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS AT EVERTON – IT’S RIGHT TIME TO UPGRADE
McNeil has been a key player for Everton in recent seasons, but has slipped vastly down the pecking order this year.
The arrivals of Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling have limited McNeil’s opportunities this season.
Featuring in just two league games as a substitute, the 25-year-old has primarily occupied a place on the bench.
The former Burnley player was given a start in the League Cup at Wolves, but put in an insipid performance.
It’s a testament to how far we’ve come that a player who was recently our main attacking outlet is surplus to requirements.
It’s no surprise to see him linked with a move away from the Blues, and less of one to see Dyche is interested.
Dyche’s football should come with a health warning, and McNeil hasn’t exactly been Mr Dynamic recently either.
Indeed, he was in the starting XI for Everton U21s 5-1 home defeat to Bradford City earlier this month.
McNeil has been a decent player during a difficult period for Everton, but he’s precisely the type of player we should look to upgrade.
He’s still contracted at the club until 2027, so we should be able to demand a decent fee to reinvest.
No hard feelings Dwight, but shifting a player of such limited ability feels like a step in the right direction.