Mac must go if price is Dwight

SEAN DYCHE concedes that Burnley will struggle to fight off the Premier League’s wealthier vultures if Dwight Mcneil continues his amazing development.

The 20-year-old winger, an ever-present for the Clarets this season, lines up at Crystal Palace tomorrow with the Eagles one of a number of clubs watching him.

Everton and Manchester United, who had Mcneil (below) as a schoolboy, are also fans, and straight-talking Dyche admits the facts of life for his club mean the right offer may force them to sell... eventually.

Dyche said: “It’s something we’ve come across before, regardless of age. There comes a time when players will leave Burnley because we can only go so far, and the club only chooses to go so far.

“I don’t think we’ve ever planned on standing in anyone’s way, but equally we’re in a position the last few years to stand our ground.

“We’re very strong financially, so therefore if people want to come for our players they are going to have to come for heavy prices.

“On the other hand Dwight is a young player who is doing very, very well at the moment.

“I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t leave Burnley at some point because someone will knock on our door. But that’s the reality of Burnley.”

Dyche was critical of his board’s financially cautious approach last week after they failed to re-sign a group of out-of-contract first-teamers.

Dyche said: “We are in a position where we can look after players to a certain level, and then say ‘no’, basically.

“How far we go is usually down to a fee and how big the fee gets. That’s life at Burnley and a lot of other clubs.”