This is how Sunderland plan to beat Everton to Jack Grealish signing
Sunderland are confident of beating the competition for Jack Grealish as they can cover a large portion of his wages and offer European football, sources have told Football Insider.
The Black Cats want to sign Grealish on loan for the 2026-27 season as he prepares to leave Man City once again.
His impressive loan stint at Everton last term has revitalised a struggling career and thrust him back onto the radar of several interested clubs.
Enzo Maresca has handed him some game time at the start of this campaign, but City are planning to make more additions to his attacking ranks.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Sunderland are set to hold the upper hand in negotiations over transfer rivals Everton due to their potential wage coverage and Europa League status.
Regis Le Bris' side are an attractive prospect for potential new signings as they embark on a first European journey for the club in 53 years.
Sunderland keen to coax Man City and Jack Grealish into loan deal with wage and UEL factors
Sunderland have money to splash on an ambitious move for the 30-year-old, having only spent around £32million on new signings this summer.
City want interested parties to cover part of Grealish's reported £300,000-a-week salary, which Sunderland feel they can meet, while they also boast the prospect of European football over Everton.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Sunderland are making an ambitious move to try and convince Grealish to make the move to Stadium of Light. They're willing to cover a large chunk of Grealish's pretty sizable wages, and also they have got European football to try and lure him to move to the North East as well.
"I'm sure there will be stiff competition from Everton. We know how well regarded he is at Everton after his successful loan spell."
Man City prioritising Cody Gakpo move after attacking departures
Maresca is keen to see an attacking signing arrive at the Etihad before the deadline after Savio and Omar Marmoush both joined Tottenham, and with Grealish's future still up in the air.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool star Gakpo is the Citizens' top target to bolster his forward line as it stands, with their interest in his services emerging earlier this week.
The Reds are keen to keep hold of Gakpo, but their plans could change if new attacking additions are made to Andoni Iraola's squad, while Spurs continue to hold an interest in the Dutchman too.