Jack Grealish has reportedly approved a summer move away from Manchester City after being exiled by Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola sanctioned Man City’s record-breaking £100m move for Grealish back in 2021 and viewed the England star as an integral member of his squad during his first two seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
Grealish helped City win the Premier League during his first season under Guardiola and then starred in the club’s historic treble triumph in 2022-23.
The 29-year-old was a key player for England as well as Manchester City a couple of years ago but his career has stagnated over the past two seasons.
Grealish struggled for game-time last term and was left out of Guardiola’s squad for Man City’s pre-season tour.
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Manchester City have informed Grealish that he is deemed surplus to requirements but his next destination has been far from clear amid interest from multiple Serie A clubs.
Multiple teams in the Premier League have also expressed in a deal and Everton have emerged as the frontrunners to secure Grealish’s signature.
David Moyes is keen to strengthen his Everton squad ahead of his first full season back as Toffees boss in the club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Times say Everton have ramped up their efforts to sign Grealish with a view to sealing a loan deal.
They have held further talks with Man City to discuss the fees involved, with the former Premier League champions hoping to recoup as much of Grealish’s £300,000-a-week contract as possible.
The huge fees involved has not put off Everton and there is a belief that Grealish is open to the move as he looks to revive his career.
Grealish was gutted not to be included in England’s squad for Euro 2024 and wants to regain his place ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Everton were in a relegation battle last season until Moyes replaced Sean Dyche and led the club he managed between 2002 and 2013 to 13th in the Premier League.
Moyes welcomed ex-Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to the club in a deal worth £28m last week but are struggling to reach an agreement with Southampton for Tyler Dibling.
Everton have seen three bids rejected by Southampton and there remains a significant discrepancy between the two club’s valuations.
After playing their final pre-season friendly at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, Everton begin the 2025-26 Premier League campaign next weekend against Leeds United.
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