Sky Sports: Crystal Palace make ‘very late’ £20m move to sign Premier League winger | OneFootball

Crystal Palace make £20m bid for McNeil as deadline drama grips Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace have thrown themselves into the closing hours of the transfer window with a move that has caught the attention of every Premier League watcher. According to Sky Sports, who deserve full credit for the original reporting, Oliver Glasner’s side have “tabled a very late bid of £20m for Everton winger Dwight McNeil”. In a market where value and timing are everything, that figure feels both punchy and pragmatic, a signal that Palace believe the 24 year old can deliver immediately.

The original report from James Savundra and Rob Dorsett states that “McNeil has been targeted by Nottingham Forest and Palace, but initially as a loan deal, something which Everton were not prepared to entertain.” That detail matters. Everton’s stance has been clear, they want either commitment or nothing, and Palace have responded by shifting from a cautious loan proposal to a full cash offer. It is a sign of intent that also hints at how tight this window has become for all involved.

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Transfer deadline tension in south London

The clock is now the loudest voice in the room. Sky Sports report that “there is no word yet on Everton’s response to Palace’s offer, but Oliver Glasner’s side now face a race against time to get the necessary paperwork and medical tests done before the 7pm deadline.” That sense of urgency is familiar to supporters who have seen deals fall apart in the final minutes. The safety net of a deal sheet, which can be submitted to the Premier League until 7pm and extends the process to 9pm, offers some breathing space, but only if all parties agree.

What adds another layer is Everton’s own business. The report confirms that “Everton are closing in on a deal for Tyrique George, a left winger, on loan from Chelsea with an option to buy. That, we are told, was key in allowing Everton to consider allowing McNeil to leave.” It paints a clear picture, Everton need cover before sanctioning an exit, and Palace’s bid has landed at precisely the moment when that cover looks possible.

Why Dwight McNeil fits Oliver Glasner’s vision

McNeil’s profile suits the demands of a high energy, wide forward. He stretches play, delivers from the flank and has Premier League experience that cannot be taught. For Palace, who have lacked consistent service from wide areas, a player who can beat a man and put quality into the box could unlock new patterns of attack. A £20m outlay also aligns with the club’s model, investing in players with both immediate impact and resale potential.

It is also notable that Sky Sports describe this as a “very late bid”, which suggests Palace have waited for the right conditions rather than rushing. With Everton edging towards the Tyrique George deal, the door finally opened.

What happens next for Palace and Everton

Everything now hinges on Everton’s response. If they accept, Palace must move with precision. Medicals, contracts and league approval all need to be completed at speed. The deal sheet route offers hope, but it still requires total cooperation.

From a wider Premier League perspective, this move could shift the balance in a tightly packed mid table. McNeil arriving at Selhurst Park would give Glasner another tool, and Everton would gain funds and flexibility.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Crystal Palace supporter, it is hard not to feel a mixture of intrigue and scepticism about this report. Yes, Sky Sports have outlined a £20m bid and the logic around Everton needing Tyrique George before letting Dwight McNeil go, but Palace fans have lived through too many deadline day disappointments to take anything at face value. We have seen deals that look nailed on collapse in the final hour, and the phrase “race against time” rings uncomfortably familiar.

There is also the question of value. McNeil has Premier League experience, but £20m is a serious outlay for a player who has been inconsistent at Everton. Supporters will ask whether that money could be better spent on a younger, more dynamic winger or on strengthening other areas of the squad. Glasner’s system demands intensity and end product, and while McNeil can cross a ball, he has not always delivered goals or assists at the level Palace need.

Another worry is the timing. Leaving it this late suggests either hesitation or a lack of alternatives. If Everton drag their feet or if the Tyrique George deal stalls, Palace could be left scrambling. Fans will be hoping that the club have contingency plans, because relying on a single late bid feels risky.

In short, while the Sky Sports report provides hope, Palace supporters remain unconvinced until the shirt is held up. We have been here before, and belief only comes with confirmation.