Everton keen to ‘agree lower Jack Grealish fee’ with Man City
David Moyes is determined to keep Jack Grealish at Everton beyond the end of his current loan spell amid speculation about his long-term future.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the boss would “love” to agree a permanent deal for the Man City loanee.
Football Insider first revealed in August that Moyes believed he could get the best out of Grealish, and it has since been proven with his displays for Everton.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 9 December that Grealish wants to stay at Everton and is not interested in a move elsewhere.
However, there are concerns about the finances involved in any permanent move which could see the Toffees miss out on extending his stay on Merseyside.
David Moyes wants Everton to keep Jack Grealish
Brown told Football Insider on 16 December that Everton’s move for Grealish has hit a snag, as they hope to agree a fee below his £50million option to buy.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and worked closely alongside Moyes during his time at West Ham, insisted the boss is hopeful of keeping his talisman beyond the end of the season.
“Everton would like to sign Grealish permanently, of course,” he told Football Insider.
“If they can agree a lower fee with City, that might be the best outcome for everybody, but then it’s just whether they will be able to do that.
“Moysey would certainly like to do that, he’s determined to keep him around because he’s become such a vital part of the plans they’re putting in place.
“It’s been a strong season so far and Grealish has been a major contributor to that.
“Plus, Moyes is getting the best out of him and it looks like he’s happy at Everton, he looks to have got that spark back which he lost a little bit at City.
“If it’s something that can be done, Moyes will be pushing to get it over the line, because keeping Jack Grealish could be a massive boost going into next season.
“Obviously the focus at the moment is on what’s happening this season and other areas they might want to strengthen in, but it’s something they will visit at some point.”
Other Grealish suitors emerge in case of Everton collapse
There was no shortage of interest in Grealish when he became available in the summer, with clubs both in the Premier League and abroad keeping tabs.
The likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa were both linked with moves for the England international during the summer before his eventual move to Everton.
While that interest is believed to have lingered, and even grown given his performances this season, he is currently unlikely to move elsewhere.
Football Insider revealed in August that Grealish could slash his Man City wages to join Everton on a permanent deal after being happy with his strong start to life there.
The possibility of him returning to City has now “well and truly closed,” and that has shifted the emphasis at the Etihad towards trying to find a permanent exit route for him.
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