-Everton transfer business ramps up as they ‘close in’ on Wolves flop and Burnley winger

Everton are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Sporting left-back Ruben Vinagre and are ‘hopeful’ of landing Burnley’s Dwight McNeil, according to reports.

The Toffees have only made one signing so far this summer, bringing in James Tarkowski on a free transfer following the expiry of his Burnley contract.
Frank Lampard is looking to improve his squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last term.

Another Clarets player who could swap Lancashire for Merseyside is McNeil, according to the Telegraph correspondent John Percy.

Everton are ‘in talks’ to sign the winger and are ‘hopeful’ of reaching an agreement with Burnley, who kick off their Championship campaign on Friday against Huddersfield Town.

The 22-year-old is under contract until 2024 and is valued at £16.2million by Transfermarkt.

He has already played 134 times in the Premier League, appearing in all 38 games of Burnley’s 2021/22 campaign.

McNeil has scored seven and assisted 17 in his top-flight career.

As well as the Clarets winger, Everton have also been linked with former Wolves player Vinagre.

The Toffees are ‘closing in’ on the signing of the 23-year-old left-back, according to the Daily Mail.

Vinagre will join on a season-long loan, with the option to make the deal permanent.

He joined Wolves in 2018 but struggled in the Premier League. The Portuguese was loaned out to Olympiacos, Famalicao and Sporting before he joined the latter permanently this month.

Vinagre was at Everton’s training ground on Tuesday to complete his medical, the report adds.

Lampard has funds at his disposal following the sale of £53m Richarlison to Tottenham.

Speaking earlier this month, the Toffees boss outlined what sort of player he looks for in the transfer market.

“(Director of football) Kevin (Thelwell) and I are big on personality,” said Lampard. “We want to bring in players of a good profile and you look at age there too because you can’t be too young or too old.

“You want good people. Selfish characters can be the downfall of any team. James Tarkowski is a well-spoken leader and straight away gives off a professional tone. Character in the dressing room is huge and the main attribute for me.”