Everton are Jack Grealish’s ‘number one priority’ after ‘massive’ twist in Man City talks

Everton will only sign Jack Grealish permanently if Man City offer a huge reduction on his £50million option to buy, sources have told Football Insider.

Grealish has returned to Man City for pre-season training after the conclusion of his loan spell at Everton.

His final Toffees appearance came against Aston Villa on 18 January, as a serious foot injury ended his campaign prematurely.

He remained at the club to finish his rehabilitation, but will now be assessed by new City boss Enzo Maresca after making a full recovery.

Maresca could give Grealish another chance, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, he is prioritising an Everton return even though they are uncertain about his current price tag.

City set a £50m option to buy clause in his loan deal, which Everton have decided against triggering, as they are only willing to pay a hugely reduced fee.

Jack Grealish's return to Everton hinges on price tag reduction

Grealish became a popular figure on Merseyside with his teammates, David Moyes and the Everton fans.

He remains keen to explore a move back to the club, but City's lofty demands after paying £100m for his services in 2021 could be a sticking point between the two parties.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Everton obviously don't want to meet that £50million buy option in his contract...they would probably prefer another loan deal, and if that can't be agreed, then they would want a massive reduction on that price tag for Grealish.

"Everton are still hopeful that they can get a deal for Grealish over the line, but if Maresca wants to keep him at Man City and he impresses in pre-season, then the door might be open for him to rekindle his Etihad story.

"No final decision has been made just now, but I think if a decent offer does come in and City are willing to let him go, Everton would be his number one priority."

Tyler Dibling set to leave Everton amid Grealish latest

Young winger Dibling was stuck behind Grealish in the pecking order for the first half of last season despite joining Everton for a club-record fee from Southampton.

He was restricted to just four Premier League starts across the whole campaign, with his final appearance coming in early March, despite remaining fit.

Former Toffees scout, Bryan King, has exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Dibling is likely to leave Everton on loan this summer in search of more game time.

Grealish's potential return would surely see the 20-year-old pushed out of the door, with RB Leipzig linked to his services in recent weeks.