Everton’s plan to reintegrate Dwight McNeil after Crystal Palace move collapsed | OneFootball

Everton are working to reintegrate Dwight McNeil after his last-minute Crystal Palace move collapsed, with staff and team-mates rallying around him. His partner Megan criticised the process on social media, and McNeil said he remains in the dark.

According to NY Times, negotiations shifted from a permanent to a loan with obligation worth £20 million, a deal sheet was filed and a medical completed, but Palace’s paperwork did not arrive by the extended 9pm deadline. Everton were frustrated by the lack of warning, while Palace suggested late changes left insufficient time.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner said all four parties must align and hinted the move might be revisited in the summer.

Everton manager David Moyes insisted the club were not at fault, said McNeil is training and noted that deadline-day deals sometimes collapse.

Everton are disappointed to have missed out on a substantial fee for a 26-year-old likely to enter his final year in the summer.

The club’s player support team, led by Charlotte Renshaw, have been liaising with McNeil and his partner, with senior figures such as James Tarkowski also assisting. Idrissa Gueye spoke of welcoming him back, while fans and the club have publicly offered support.

McNeil may still depart in the summer, but he could see minutes as Moyes prioritises what best sustains the push for Europe.

Since the start of 2022-23 he leads Everton with 30 goal involvements, including a decisive double at Brighton in May 2023 and pivotal goals against Nottingham Forest last season.

Source: NY Times