Everton’s permanent move to sign Jack Grealish hits ‘major’ hurdle
Everton may face issues landing Jack Grealish on a permanent deal as they are currently reluctant to pay the fee Man City are demanding.
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 Grealish joining Everton on a permanent deal will not be straightforward.
Everton agreed a £50million option to buy Grealish as part of his loan move, but there is a growing desire from the Toffees to reach an agreement at a lower fee.
They are determined not to overspend and have other areas they wish to strengthen in the coming windows, and feel a £50million outlay could prove restrictive.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Man City are willing to negotiate with Everton over the price tag for Grealish to move on permanently.
Everton facing issues in negotiations with Man City
Football Insider previously revealed that Man City are preparing to receive offers for Grealish at the end of the season as a result of his form for Everton.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained the Toffees’ recent financial concerns could limit what they can do with regard to Grealish.
“Everton would like to sign Grealish permanently, of course,” he told Football Insider.
“But it depends what sort of fee Man City are expecting to get from him, because that £50million option is unlikely to be paid.
“Everton have a few areas of the squad they want to strengthen, so paying £50million just to have the same squad they have last year will limit their spending elsewhere.
“They’re not in a position where they’re prepared to spend that sort of money, but the better Grealish gets the more they will feel they need to keep him.
“So it’s a very difficult situation for Everton, it’s a major issue because they don’t want to lose him, but at the same time, can they afford to keep him?
“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.”
Could Jack Grealish move elsewhere after Everton success?
There was no shortage of interest in the England international when he became available in the summer, with clubs both in the Premier League and abroad keeping tabs.
Football Insider revealed in August that Everton are facing rival interest in Grealish after his strong start to life on Merseyside and could lose out.
Clubs across Europe are believed to be keeping a close eye on the attacking midfielder’s situation and may be prepared to rival David Moyes‘ side in their interest.
However, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 9 December that Grealish is only interested in Everton and is loving his time at the club so far.
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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