What Brennan Johnson's arrival means for Jack Grealish's much-anticipated Everton

Brennan Johnson's imminent arrival at Everton may leave Jack Grealish with concerns.

The Crystal Palace winger looks set to join the Blues, as part of a direct swap deal involving Dwight McNeil going the other way.

David Moyes' side have been linked with a return for the Manchester City loanee all summer, after his impressive loan spell last season.

There is a sense of unfinished business after his campaign was ended by a foot injury in January.

However, Johnson's signature could be interpreted in a way that means there is no longer a need for the 30-year-old.

Goodison News looks at whether that is the case or not.

Why Brennan Johnson signing could actually help Jack Grealish secure Everton return

Everton signing Johnson may actually make Grealish's return chances more likely.

The fact that Moyes side are losing an experience operator in McNeil means they may need more, which the former Aston Villa man would bring.

The L3 outfit also only have four wingers on the books, even with the 25-year-old making the move to Merseyside.

They are Iliman Ndiaye, Johnson, Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George, with the manager reluctant to trust the latter duo.

That is not enough options for a full campaign and leaves another space, which Grealish could fill.

What do the stats say about Grealish and Johnson's roles at Everton?

Grealish would be a much better option for the Blues, but Johnson could still have a role.

The latter is capable of playing on both flanks, and in attacking midfielder, so could find himself on the pitch at the same time as the veteran.

Per Fotmob data, Johnson averages 1.20 shots and 0.99 chances created per 90, compared to figures of 1.43 and 2.10 for Grealish.

Meanwhile, the latter managed 5.79 touches in the opposition box per game, with the former only having 3.08.

Grealish is much more creative and gets into the box more often, which makes him the preferred player in the starting line-up, but he does not offer the speed that Johnson does.

The Palace man averaged a top speed of 22.30mph last season, while the Toffees loanee managed 21.68mph, according to data from Sofascore.

There is room for both in the squad, as they will have different duties.