Exclusive: Crystal Palace plot late move to sign Everton’s Dwight McNeil
Crystal Palace are exploring a deadline-busting move to sign Everton winger Dwight McNeil, sources have told Football Insider.
The Eagles are expected to be busy before tonight’s 7pm deadline, and have now set their sights on McNeil alongside a number of late targets.
Any deal for the 26-year-old depends on whether Everton are able to bring in a replacement as David Moyes is reluctant to weaken his squad at this late stage.
McNeil has been out of favour under Moyes this season, with just seven Premier League starts so far.
The winger is under contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2027, with his long-term future up in the air, but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be agreed.
Crystal Palace set sights on Dwight McNeil deal
The addition of a new wide-man is not at the top of the Eagles’ list of priorities today, with a centre-back and midfielder their priority options.
Meanwhile, they are still working to complete the signing of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, with a deal likely relying on Jean-Philippe Mateta joining AC Milan.
However, they are prepared to move for any deals which present themselves at this late stages, and McNeil has been a long-term target at Selhurst Park.
With Everton closing in on the signing of Tyrique George from Chelsea, he could soon be made available.
The Eagles are not the only club interested in the winger, though, with Nottingham Forest keen and after Football Insider revealed Wolves are keen to sign McNeil.
Crystal Palace hope to agree late deadline-day deals
Following Marc Guehi’s move to Man City earlier in the window, Palace have been assessing a number of centre-backs as potential replacements.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 2 February that Crystal Palace are eyeing Ethan Pinnock as an experienced option to fill in at the back.
Oliver Glasner’s current options, Chadi Riad and Jaydee Canvot, are still inexperienced at Premier League level and could benefit from an old head coming in.
Meanwhile, Palace have assessed alternatives including Lyon defender Ruben Kluivert, who has been brought to their attention in recent days.
However, Football Insider revealed Kluivert is unlikely to leave Lyon this month in a blow to Palace’s plans, with the French club reluctant to sell.
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