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Everton and Crystal Palace Hold Talks Over McNeil‑Johnson Swap

The discussions hinge on a clear valuation gap and differing contract lengths that would likely need cash or creative structuring to be resolved.

Overview

  • The talks were first reported on Sunday and would see Dwight McNeil move to Selhurst Park while Brennan Johnson heads to Goodison Park as part of a player exchange.
  • Crystal Palace value Johnson at about the £35 million fee paid in January and have given him a long contract, while McNeil has roughly 12 months left on his deal, creating a significant paperwork and accounting gap.
  • McNeil nearly joined Palace in January before the transfer collapsed when paperwork was not submitted on deadline day, a failure that drew public criticism and may affect his appetite for a second move to the same club.
  • Palace have circulated Johnson to other clubs as they consider recouping part of their outlay, and Everton view McNeil as a negotiable asset, but multiple outlets say no agreement is close and the talks remain live.
  • Straight swaps are uncommon in the Premier League because clubs must account for transfer fees across contract years, so any deal would probably include cash, add‑ons or complex structuring and could change squad plans for both teams.