Everton and Crystal Palace discuss Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil swap transfer

Everton and Crystal Palace have opened talks over a potential swap deal involving Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil, although significant differences in the players' valuations are making an agreement difficult.

The two Premier League clubs are exploring ways to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes, but a straightforward exchange currently appears unlikely.

According to The Times, Everton are interested in signing Johnson just eight months after the Wales international joined Crystal Palace from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £35 million.

The move has not gone to plan for the 25-year-old, who is still waiting for his first goal after making 26 appearances for the Eagles.

Despite helping Palace lift the UEFA Conference League, Johnson struggled for regular impact and was an unused substitute in the final, fuelling speculation over his future.

Dwight McNeil remains on Crystal Palace's radar after a proposed move collapsed during the winter transfer window.

The Eagles had been close to signing the winger on loan with a £20 million obligation to buy, but negotiations broke down at the final stage.

McNeil is now entering the final year of his Everton contract, and Palace remain interested in revisiting a deal.

However, Everton's valuation of the 26-year-old falls well below Palace's assessment of Johnson, making a direct swap difficult to complete.

While discussions have taken place, the report suggests separate transfers are currently viewed as the more likely outcome.

That could see Everton pay an additional fee for Johnson while Palace negotiate independently for McNeil rather than completing a straight exchange.

The failed January move also attracted attention after McNeil's partner, Megan Sharpley, criticised the handling of the transfer, describing the emotional toll caused by the late collapse.

Talks between Everton and Crystal Palace are expected to continue as both clubs assess their attacking options before the transfer deadline. Unless the valuation gap narrows, a direct swap remains unlikely, although individual deals for Johnson and McNeil could still develop.