Hold onto your hats, Blues. Just when we thought the incomings were the only drama left to resolve, a massive curveball has been thrown our way with less than two hours remaining in the window.
According to the latest reports from Sky Sports News, Crystal Palace have tabled a sensational late bid of £20m for Dwight McNeil.
The State of Play
It is understood that both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace had previously shown interest in our number 7, but initial approaches didn’t meet Everton’s valuation, believed to be £20m.
David Moyes was not prepared to weaken his squad without guaranteed cash or a replacement. However, Palace have now returned to the table with a permanent offer of £20m. This changes the landscape significantly, testing the manager’s resolve as the clock ticks down.
The Tyrique George Factor
Why are the club even considering this so late in the day? The answer lies at Stamford Bridge.
Everton are closing in on a loan deal for Chelsea’s exciting left-winger Tyrique George, with an option to buy. Sources suggest this incoming deal was the “key” to allowing Moyes to sanction McNeil’s potential departure. If the recruitment team feels George can step in immediately, the £20m injection might be seen as shrewd business ahead of a summer rebuild.
A Race Against Time
The logistics are now the biggest opponent for all parties.
With the transfer window slamming shut at 7:00 PM tonight, Oliver Glasner’s Palace side faces a chaotic dash to get the medicals and paperwork finalised.
However, there is a lifeline. If Everton accept the bid and an agreement is reached between the clubs and the player, Palace can submit a deal sheet to the Premier League before the 7pm cut-off. This would grant them an extra two hours (until 9pm) to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.