Crystal Palace and Everton agree swap deal for Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil

Crystal Palace and Everton have reached an agreement for a direct swap deal involving Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil. Both players have reportedly accepted four-year contracts with an option for an additional season and are scheduled to undergo medical examinations on Monday. Johnson joined Palace from Tottenham in January for £35 million, becoming the club's record signing at the time, a record later surpassed by Jorgen Strand Larsen. Johnson struggled in south London, failing to score in 18 Premier League appearances. With a contract worth over £100,000 per week, he is not part of the plans of new manager Oliver Glasner. Palace will likely take a financial loss on the deal but will remove one of their highest earners from the wage bill. McNeil, entering the final year of his Everton contract, was close to joining Palace in February, with a £20 million fee agreed on deadline day. The deal collapsed after Palace changed their offer to a loan with an obligation to buy following the failure of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed £30 million move to AC Milan due to a failed medical. McNeil’s partner, Megan Sharpley, criticised Palace at the time, stating on Instagram that the club's silence had impacted the player's mental health. Meanwhile, Palace are close to finalising a £21 million deal for Union Saint-Gilloise right-back Anan Khalaili. The Israeli defender underwent a medical on Sunday and is expected to sign a five-year contract, following a previously failed move to Inter Milan due to medical issues.