Sources: Jack Grealish 'favourites' named as Everton and Aston Villa plot swoops

Everton remain the "favourites" to sign Jack Grealish this summer despite fresh interest from Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.

The Villans are contemplating making a move to re-sign their former winger, who is still likely to leave Manchester City before the 1 September deadline.

Atletico Madrid have also joined the race for the former England international, and are keen to give him the chance to play abroad for the first time.

While a return to Villa is understood to "pull on the heartstrings" for Grealish, sources have indicated that it is Everton who remain in pole position.

The wideman was re-vitalised during his loan spell on Merseyside last term, and David Moyes remains hugely keen to land him again.

The Toffees are still in the market for reinforcements on the flanks, and the Hill Dickinson Stadium is seen as Grealish's "most likely" destination at the moment.

Jack Grealish keen on Everton return

Grealish's continued recovery from injury has stalled the decision regarding his future so far this summer.

New City boss Enzo Maresca has been keen to give the wideman a chance to impress in pre-season, but his injury has prevented that so far.

That has prompted speculation regarding his future to spike once again as we enter the final three weeks of the window.

Football Insider revealed at the start of August that Grealish remains strongly interested in a return to Everton, such was the success of his stint there last term.

The 30-year-old notched two goals and six assists from 20 appearances for the Merseysiders, and bought into the project that they were building.

He also shared a close relationship with Moyes, which is understood to be a driving factor behind his desire to return.

Bournemouth fighting against Marcus Tavernier joining Everton

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Bournemouth are doing "everything they can" to prevent club captain Marcus Tavernier from joining Everton this summer.

The Toffees' recruitment team have outlined the 27-year-old as another clear target to bolster their wide options, but Bournemouth are not keen to do business.

The Cherries are preparing for their first ever European campaign, and have no desire to lose a key member of their squad ahead of an important season.

Marco Rose's side are fighting to keep hold of their star man, but are understood to be "confident" of fending off Everton's advances.