Crystal Palace and Everton in talks over swap deal for Johnson and McNeil

Crystal Palace and Everton are in active discussions over a potential swap deal that would send winger Brennan Johnson to Goodison Park in exchange for Dwight McNeil moving to Selhurst Park. The talks, which involve a creative solution to reshape both squads ahead of the new Premier League season, represent a significant development in the summer transfer window.

The proposed exchange would see Johnson, 25, leave Crystal Palace just seven months after joining from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2026 for a club-record fee of approximately £35 million. The Welsh international has struggled to make an impact, failing to score in 18 appearances and managing only one assist. Palace are reportedly open to finding a solution for the forward, who has not met expectations.

In return, Palace would acquire McNeil, 26, a left winger they previously tried to sign in January. That earlier deal, reportedly agreed at £20 million, collapsed on the final day of the window, leaving the player angered after completing a medical. Palace have now renewed their interest, and sources indicate McNeil is attracted to the possibility of moving to Selhurst Park, where he would have the opportunity to play in...