Everton’s transfer ‘priority’ and what it means for permanent Jack Grealish deal
Jack Grealish could complete a permanent move to Everton this summer despite missing the second half of the season with a serious injury.
The 30-year-old had an operation on a stress fracture following the 1-0 win against Aston Villa in January which put an end to his season under David Moyes.
However, Everton are keen to bring him back to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on a permanent basis, as he is highly unlikely to make a return to Man City.
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown, who worked closely alongside Moyes, told Football Insider that the boss is prioritising adding more quality to his squad this summer.
Grealish certainly ticks a number of boxes, and he could be the first of a number of ambitious signings for Everton should they qualify for Europe this season.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBCould Everton agree a permanent move for Jack Grealish?
Brown told Football Insider in March that Everton could move quickly to sign Grealish in the summer as they already view him as an important part of their plans.
Everton’s transfer plans may be significantly impacted by whether they qualify for European football, as they currently sit in 10th place but just three points shy of seventh.
| Jack Grealish | Everton Stats |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Starts | 19 |
| Minutes Played | 1723 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 6 |
The permanent arrival of a talented player in Grealish would come as a major boost, with the addition of further quality likely to be needed on Merseyside.
“Everton’s priority will be the same as last season,” Brown told Football Insider.
“David Moyes wants to add more quality to his squad around the stable foundations he has built, that’s why they brought in players like [Iliman] Ndiaye and [Kiernan] Dewsbury-Hall.
“They’re looking at adding quality to their midfield and attack, and that could start with Jack Grealish.
“It was a big coup when they signed him last summer because he’s a player above the standard they would usually have been able to get in their position.
“Obviously with that injury it didn’t completely go to plan, but when he was fit and available, he was a really important part of what they were doing.
“If they can now go on and qualify for Europe, it means there is even more demand to add quality, and Grealish fits that bill.
“They know what he can do, Moyes was happy with him and he was happy playing for Everton, so a permanent deal makes a lot of sense for both parties.”
What would it cost for Everton to sign Grealish?
While the Toffees are lining up a permanent move for Grealish, there are concerns about the fee involved ahead of talks expected to be held with Man City.
The England international had a £50million option to buy included in his loan move from the Etihad, but there is no chance of that fee being met.
However, former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Everton could sign Grealish for £15million, with a cut-price deal on the cards.
The Toffees will aim to negotiate a lower fee with City also open to talks as they accept he has no long-term future at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s side could also subsidise some of the winger’s “massive” wage bill to push through a permanent move, with Everton unlikely to match his current fee.
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