Exclusive: Sunderland Shock Premier League Rivals in Deadline-Day Battle for Dwight McNeil

Sunderland have stunned the transfer market by emerging as shock contenders to sign Dwight McNeil, setting up a dramatic deadline-day scrap with Crystal Palace for the Everton winger, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

With the window set to slam shut, insiders say it is now a straight two-horse race, and the Black Cats are refusing to rule themselves out of a bold late move for the former Burnley star.

McNeil, 25, has endured a frustrating spell under Everton boss David Moyes, finding himself on the fringes of the first team after once being one of the in the Premier League. 

Since joining Everton from Burnley in 2022, the winger has made 120 appearances in all competitions across three and a half season, but starts have been increasingly hard to come by, with Moyes favouring different attacking options.

Despite that, McNeil’s top-flight CV remains impressive. The wide man has chalked up 240 Premier League appearances, with 14 goals in the top-fligtt and providing a steady stream of important assists across his career so far.

At Turf Moor, he was a key figure season after season, often carrying the creative burden in Sean Dyche’s side.

WILLINGNESS TO SELL

Our sources understand Everton’s willingness to listen to offers is understood to stem from a need to reshape their squad and balance the books, with Moyes keen to streamline his attacking options. 

A sale or loan would also give McNeil the regular football he craves as he looks to kick-start his career.

Sunderland believe his experience could be priceless. The Black Cats are hungry to add proven Premier League quality and see McNeil as someone who could make an immediate impact, both on and off the pitch, as they chase their ambitions.

But Palace are standing firm. The Eagles have already lodged a bid and are desperate to reinforce after losing star player Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in the summe.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is also on the verge of departing, which would also leave a gaping hole now in the Eagles' forward line.

Palace believe McNeil’s Premier League know-how makes him a ready-made solution, but Sunderland are confident their vision and promise of a central role could yet swing the deal.