Everton are in talks with Crystal Palace over a swap deal that would see Dwight McNeil exchanged for Brennan Johnson. The ECHO understands discussions are taking place over the potential deal, first reported by the Times, which is now stating the proposed move would be a straight player swap and not involve any money.
Potential boost for Everton
Such a move would be seen as a boost for Everton, who need support on the right wing. Johnson could also provide David Moyes with another option up front.
Johnson, 25, only signed for Palace in January, moving from Tottenham Hotspur in a club-record £35m deal. The Wales international had scored the winning goal for Spurs in the 2024/25 Europa League final but fell out of favour. He did not score in any of his 18 Premier League appearances for the Selhurst Park club.
Previous transfer saga
McNeil came within minutes of joining Johnson in south London only for a loan move, which included an obligation to make the deal permanent for £20m, to fall through in the final moments of the winter transfer window. That debacle led to winger's partner, Megan Sharpley, accusing Palace of “toying” with the 26-year-old’s mental health.
After being an integral part of Everton’s efforts to avoid relegation under Sean Dyche, McNeil has been a peripheral player under Moyes. He did get a run in the team - that coincided with an upturn in the Blues’ form - in the spring but that was on the right of the side when his best position is on the opposite side of the pitch.
Moyes' options
Moyes can choose from Iliman Ndiaye and summer signing Tyrique George in that position and are still expected to explore the potential to re-sign Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City.
Everton have less depth on the right, however. While Tyler Dibling has shown glimpses of progress in pre-season, Ndiaye could yet end up covering that spot - something he did at the start of last season.
The opportunity to replace McNeil, signed in 2022 for a fee of around £20m, would therefore be seen as strengthening the side. It would also represent a coup given the former Burnley man is in the final year of his current deal.
McNeil was an unused substitute in the 3-1 friendly defeat to VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. He had missed the previous game, a win over Hamburg, with a minor injury.
