Dwight McNeil is 'key target' for West Ham as loan stance shared
West Ham could accelerate their pursuit of Everton star Dwight McNeil.
Nuno Espirito Santo is looking for attacking reinforcements to help the Hammers' bid for an instant return to the Premier League.
The 26-year-old has been unable to assert himself under David Moyes, finding himself down the pecking order.
A move to the London Stadium could appeal as it would mean regular game time for the former Burnley man.
He has made 248 top-flight appearances across his career, but only featured 22 times in the division this season.
The Irons are believed to have identified McNeil as an important addition, and could move to sign him.
Dwight McNeil could be West Ham's next loan signing
West Ham have a lot of wingers on their radar, but the Blues ace could be the standout option.
With concerns over Crysencio Summerville's future, the left wing berth could be open.
A report from ExWHUEmployee, via the West Ham Way on Thursday, claims that McNeil is a priority.
It states that a loan move could be possible, rather than a permanent one.
He said: "Dwight McNeil is a key target that could be a loan move too.”
That is a pretty savvy move from the E20 club if they can pull it off, as it would allow them to strengthen elsewhere before the new season begins.
How did McNeil perform for Everton last season?
McNeil featured for a total of 1,168 minutes in the top-flight in the 2025-26 campaign.
He notched zero goals and one assist in his time on the pitch, per Fotmob, which is not the most encouraging numbers.
The winger created 15 chances and completed 23.8 of his crosses when he played for the Toffees in the season that has just concluded.
Those may not be headline grabbing numbers, but they could improve in the second tier against lower quality opposition.
Where McNeil does thrive is defensively, as he averages 8.55 defensive contributions per game.
He completes 1.77 tackles, 4.78 ball recoveries and one clearance per game, which are good numbers for an attacking player.
Nuno needs players who show that kind of work-rate, so bringing the L3 man to East London may prove to be a solid move, especially if it is only a temporary arrangement, and does not cost the Hammers much money.