Sources: Everton working to agree ‘£20m’ Jack Grealish deal, Man City’s stance revealed
Everton are working on agreeing a cut-price deal to sign Jack Grealish on a permanent deal from Man City at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old has enjoyed a successful loan spell under David Moyes but has confirmed he will be ruled out until the end of the season with a foot stress fracture.
Plans are now being put in place for his future, with Everton unlikely to pay the £50million option to buy which was included in his current loan deal.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the Toffees would prefer to pay around £20million and are negotiating with Man City.
There is also a possibility that Grealish could extend his loan spell, but with just one year remaining on his contract come the summer, City would prefer a sale.
Everton working to agree Jack Grealish deal with Man City
Football Insider revealed last month that Everton are determined to sign Grealish despite his recent injury blow which put an early end to his loan spell.
The England international has made 22 appearances for the Toffees, provided six assists and scored two goals, quickly become a fan favourite.
He is also a favourite of Moyes’, while he is believed to have enjoyed his time on Merseyside, and the club are now working to make his stay permanent.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think you probably have to say that Everton are in pole position to sign Grealish if he does end up leaving Man City, whether that’s on a permanent or a loan.
“Obviously, Everton do have that £50million purchase option in the current loan agreement for Grealish right now.
“Everton don’t really want to pay that and they would like to renegotiate that, maybe even a smaller fee, maybe around £20million.
“He’s obviously got no long-term future at Manchester City, I think that’s pretty certain. City will be open to all options to see Grealish move on whether that’s on a permanent or a loan.
“There’ll be talks to be held between Everton and City probably to see if a deal can be agreed and I’m sure there’s other clubs who will be monitoring his situation at City as well.”
- Read more: Tyler Dibling could be on his way out of Everton.
This is how much Man City will accept for Grealish
Despite their previous lofty asking price, there is now a hope that City will accept a cut-price fee for Grealish with just one year remaining on his contract.
Former financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Man City could accept as little as £15million, although his wages could complicate the situation.
There is an acceptance that the Toffees were never likely to pay the £50million fee agreed upon last summer, while City expect to receive far less.
It is understood Everton are paying £225k a week of Grealish’s wages, with Moyes’s side unable to cut his loan short despite his injury.
That has been labelled “bad news” for Everton, while his lofty wages may cause problems regarding a permanent deal unless he is willing to take a cut.
For more coverage of Grealish’s future and Everton’s transfer plans, check out Goodison News.