Dwight McNeil looking at Oliver Glasner.
Credit: Imago
Jacob Raw
Mon 2 February 2026 14:05, UK
Dwight McNeil could be set for a dramatic Everton exit in the dying hours of the transfer window, with Crystal Palace now pursuing the forward.
The Englishman is out of favour at the Hill Dickinson Stadium under David Moyes and will most likely seek a new opportunity for more game time.
McNeil has been linked with Nottingham Forest already this window, as former Everton boss Sean Dyche is said to be keen on a reunion with his former attacker.
However, it looks like Crystal Palace could be the ones to take McNeil off Moyes’ hands.
Everton forward Dwight McNeil's Premier League starts.
Credit: Imago
Crystal Palace prepare £20m bid for Dwight McNeil
McNeil has struggled for game time this campaign, and when he has been given the opportunity to impress, he’s been unable to take it.
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The left-winger could have been set to stay with the Toffees, given Jack Grealish’s recent injury, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
McNeil has played just 615 minutes of Premier League football this season
The 26-year-old has just one assist to his name
According to Alan Nixon’s Patreon on Monday, the Eagles are now making a “shock” deadline-beating move for McNeil.
Palace are said to be willing to pay at least £20million for the fringe player, and are aware that they are up against time, with just hours left of the window.
Nottingham Forest could be alerted about the news and make another push for McNeil, but right now, Palace are leading a strong charge for the winger.
Everton target Tyrique George stats in UEFA Conference League in 2024-25 season
Credit: Imago
Thankfully for the Blues, they already seem to have their replacement for Grealish with Tyrique George set to join from Chelsea on loan.
The Friedkin Group should accept key funds for McNeil for this reason
A figure of £20m for McNeil would simply be too good to turn down. The winger had his days of being effective for Everton, but sadly, the last time he was useful for the Toffees was a long time ago.
There is still time for Everton to do their own business, with George already planned to become Moyes’ first signing of the window.
But McNeil’s sale could prompt the Friedkin Group to sanction a big-money move for another one of their targets.
It’s been no secret that Everton have been tracking strikers in recent weeks, but for one reason or another, the Toffees haven’t been able to land one.
More to follow…
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