Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes Aston Villa could return for Burnley winger Dwight McNeil in January after failing to strike a deal before the transfer window slammed shut.

Villa were initially linked with a move for McNeil in July, having failed in their pursuit of Arsenal creative midfielder Emile Smith Rowe following a succession of bids.

However, boss Dean Smith eventually opted to strengthen his wide options by completing the £25million signing of Bayer Leverkusen and Jamaica ace Leon Bailey.

McNeil has become an integral part of Burnley manager Sean Dyche's plans since making his debut in 2018, going on to make 111 appearances for the Clarets.

The 21-year-old has started all four of Burnley's fixtures so far this season and his current employers were unwilling to offload their academy product.

However, Hatfield believes McNeil remains on Smith's radar and the Villa boss could look to tempt the winger away from Turf Moor in the future.

Hatfield told Football FanCast: "Dwight McNeil is probably Burnley's most valuable asset, so they were right to charge a large amount of money for his services.

"Villa did that themselves with Jack Grealish this summer and Burnley are right to do the same thing with their players.

"Dwight McNeil is a very talented young lad and I think Villa have seen the quality he has got first hand. Maybe he's one Villa will look at in the future."