Jack Grealish Everton move is the player’s preference if he departs Manchester City in the final days of the transfer window, according to people familiar with discussions.
The 30-year-old has come off the bench in City’s first two league matches of the season. New head coach Enzo Maresca is understood to be open to a departure before Tuesday’s deadline.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, scoring twice and registering six assists in 20 appearances before a foot injury in January ended his campaign.
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear recently said on local radio that the club has “remained in contact” with the winger.
Aston Villa, Grealish’s former club, are also thought to retain an interest in re-signing their former captain. However, figures at City say no firm offers have arrived from any club so far this summer.
Maresca said on Thursday, “Jack is here. Until the day he is, it is my duty to try and help him to give us the best. In the next four, five days, we will see what happens. I speak with Jack almost every day.”
Jack Grealish Everton interest amid wider transfer moves
City are also monitoring Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, who has turned down several contract proposals on Merseyside.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal showed strong interest in the Senegal international earlier in the summer, but the 26-year-old reportedly rejected the opportunity.
Everton, managed by David Moyes, are under no obligation to sell Ndiaye. His deal runs to 2029, and any approach is expected to require a significant fee, understood to be around £70 million, before a sale would be considered.
Separately, newly promoted Coventry City are in talks to take City defender Stephen Mfuni on a season-long loan. The 18-year-old made his senior debut in last season’s FA Cup third round and later featured eight times on loan at Watford in the Championship.