Everton's McNeil & Palace's Johnson poised for swap

Everton and Crystal Palace are in discussions for a swap deal involving winger Dwight McNeil of the Toffees and Wales international Brennan Johnson. The clubs aim to finalize the agreement this week. McNeil, 26, was nearly transferred to Selhurst Park in February as part of a loan-to-buy deal, which would have become a £20m permanent move if completed.

However, the transfer fell through due to incomplete paperwork. McNeil's partner criticized Palace on social media, expressing concerns about mental health treatment in football, particularly in light of the transfer's abrupt cancellation. The deal has now been revived with Johnson's involvement. Johnson, 25, has scored the winning goal for Tottenham in the Europa League final and helped Palace reach the Conference League final.

McNeil joined Everton from Burnley in July 2022 for £20m and has scored 15 times in 128 games across all competitions for the Evertonians. Last season, Everton finished 13th in the Premier League, while Palace ended two places lower. Both teams will compete in the Europa League in 2026-27 following their Conference League success.

The two sides will face each other at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, 22 August in the opening weekend of the Premier League season.