West Ham handed 'boost' in pursuit of Everton star who 'wants to move to London'

West Ham United have been handed a fresh boost in their pursuit of a deal to sign Everton winger Dwight McNeil this summer.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a target for Nuno Espirito Santo's side as they aim to bolster their squad following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

His skillset is believed to be well-suited to the manager's style of play, while the Hammers are keen to add new wide players to their squad amid concerns about their current options.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that West Ham can now get a deal done for McNeil, who wants to move to London as he eyes an exit from Everton.

The winger came close to leaving the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the mid-season transfer window after reaching an agreement with Crystal Palace, before they pulled the plug.

However, he had his heart set on a move to London, and he is expected to be excited by the opportunity to finally make that move six months later.

Could West Ham make a move to sign Dwight McNeil?

The addition of a new winger as risen up the list of priorities at West Ham since Brown told Football Insider that Crysencio Summerville is expected to leave the London Stadium.

They have assessed a number of potential options, with more than one addition likely, but the opportunity to sign McNeil has now emerged for them.

The winger has plenty of experience in the top flight and would provide a strong addition to the squad depth in East London as they aim to win promotion at the first time of asking.

"Dwight McNeil is somebody I have heard West Ham have had a look at," Brown told Football Insider.

"I don't think it's necessarily the type of signing that's going to get anybody off their seats, but after they've dropped into the Championship, they're going to need to strengthen the squad.

"McNeil is a good player, he's got a good left foot and is a good crosser of the ball, so that will play nicely into Nuno Espirito Santo's style.

"He plays in a position West Ham know they will need to strengthen because they have to be ready to lose players, as is always the case after being relegated.

"From the player's point of view, I'm sure it's a move he would be interested in, because he wants to move to London and this could give him that opportunity.

"He expected to join Crystal Palace in January and spoke about how he was disappointed that move didn't go through and how he'd planned the next steps of his life.

"Now, he could be given that opportunity again to move down to London, so it's something I expect he will be very interested in and that will be a big boost to West Ham's chances."

How do Everton feel about selling McNeil?

McNeil's future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium has been a talking point since his move to Crystal Palace fell through in the closing stages of the mid-season transfer window.

He is still believed to be keen on the move away, however, and made clear his desire to move on when the offer arrived from Palace in February.

As a result, Brown told Football Insider that Everton are prepared to let McNeil move on in an attempt to raise cash and free up some space in David Moyes' squad.

The winger started just 14 Premier League games last time out, most of which came after the mid-season window closed, but is not part of the club's long-term plans.

Instead, Moyes hopes to bolster his squad in the wide areas, and could agree to let McNeil move on before making a move for his replacement.