Revealed: Everton’s updated stance on permanent Jack Grealish transfer after injury latest
Everton are still hugely keen to try and sign Jack Grealish in the summer despite his recent injury, sources have told Football Insider.
The winger has passed the point of no return at his parent club Manchester City, who currently view the Toffees as the “ideal” way to get the 31-year-old off their books permanently in the summer.
Grealish is currently out of action for Everton with a fractured foot, and the early expectation is that he will not return until the middle of April, but sources say that the injury is of no concern to David Moyes and Co. in terms of their aspiration to sign him permanently.
The Merseysiders have the option to buy Grealish for £50million when his loan deal expires at the end of the season, but will not take up that clause unless Pep Guardiola’s side are willing to offer a reduction in price.
Jack Grealish has clear focus amid injury setback
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider on Wednesday that he is hopeful of Everton releasing better news on Grealish’s injury soon.
The ex-Toffees employee suggested that his former club still do not have the full prognosis for the issue, meaning they do not yet have a definite timeframe for his potential return.
Amid all the speculation surrounding his long-term future in recent months, Grealish’s current focus is on trying to get himself fit well before the end of the season, to provide a boost to his team during the run-in to the end of the campaign.
The wideman has been an influential figure for his loan club this season, as he has two goals and six assists to his name already in the Premier League.
Everton remain the more likely escape route for him when it comes to potentially leaving Manchester City in the summer, and the prospect of that move has not been affected at all by the injury setback.
Everton have clear stance on Thierno Barry
Wyness also told Football Insider earlier this week that Everton are delighted with Thierno Barry’s progression in recent weeks, after an initially slow start following his summer arrival from Villarreal.
The striker went 16 games without a goal in all competitions after his switch to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but has since been able to transform his fortunes of late.
Barry has now netted four times in his last five Premier League games, with his goals crucial in notching wins over Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, plus a draw with Leeds last time out.
The 23-year-old has kept Beto out of the team in recent weeks, and it is clear that Moyes and his team are elated to see the way that his game has begun to improve.