Everton could be set to host a late bidding war between two Premier League rivals.
Everton News columnist Alan Myers Q&A session on TalkingPoints.
Credit: GRV Media
Earlier on transfer deadline day, Crystal Palace made an approach for Dwight McNeil – with Everton telling the south Londoners to pay £20m.
Now – according to Sportsboom – there has been a late twist as Sunderland enter the race to sign Dwight McNeil.
Would this be The Friedkin Group’s best move yet at Everton? 👏
Selling McNeil for £20m would fund George's option to buy 🔥
A side-by-side image of Everton midfielder Dwight McNeil and Chelsea's Tyrique George.
Credit: Getty Images/Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/Alex Livesey.
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Sunderland think they can beat Crystal Palace to Dwight McNeil
It has now been claimed that Sunderland are keen on bringing the Everton No.7 to Wearside, and are ‘confident’ they can beat Crystal Palace to his signature.
Sportsboom say the Black Cats are keen to add more Premier League experience to their squad, and view the 26-year-old as a potentially ‘priceless’ signing given the fact he can boast 240 appearances in the competition.
Crystal Palace remain interested in McNeil – who David Moyes overlooked for the draw at Brighton last time out – so Everton may well have a potential bidding war on their hands late on.
What Sunderland sources are now saying about Dwight McNeil
James Copley of the Sunderland Echo has investigated these rumours, and has taken to X (previously known as Twitter) to share what he has heard from his sources.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
It is said that Sunderland are not currently showing a desire to sign McNeil.
🚨 Sources have played down links between Sunderland and Dwight McNeil, with the Everton winger not currently on the club’s radar.
🔄 The main focus remains on two deals: Nilson Angulo (incoming) and Simon Adingra (outgoing).#SAFC
— James Copley (@JamesCopley_) February 2, 2026
View Tweet
There are only two deadline day deals being worked on at the Stadium of Light at this moment in time, with Nilson Angulo undergoing a medical ahead of a move from Anderlecht, while Simon Adingra nears a switch to Monaco.
If you could sign one player, who would it be Everton fans? 🤩
Everton deadline day graphic
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
It means Crystal Palace may well have a free run at signing McNeil as we approach the end of the winter transfer window.
More to follow on Everton News…
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox