Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has decided that he wants to join Everton amid interest from Aston Villa, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The England international spent the previous season on loan with the Toffees. He bagged two goals and six assists from 20 Premier League appearances before suffering a foot injury in January, which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Grealish has since returned to Man City and featured in a couple of matches as a substitute, but it is likely that he will head for the exit door on a permanent basis before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Sunderland and Aston Villa have expressed an interest in the 30-year-old, but Jacobs claims that Grealish has decided that he would like a reunion with David Moyes’ side this summer.
Meanwhile, The Athletic report that a swap deal could be agreed between Man City and Everton. The Cityzens could sign Ndiaye in a player-plus-cash move, with Grealish heading the other way.
Playing time
Grealish had a very bright start with the Toffees last campaign. He registered four assists in his first three league games before his performances dipped. Still, it was a relatively good loan season for him before a season-ending injury.
Villa seem interested in a reunion with their former captain this summer, but it is unsurprising that Grealish prefers to join the Toffees, given he could be assured a starting role ahead of Tyrick George on the left wing, with Ndiaye poised to leave the club soon.
At Villa, the Englishman may have to adjust to a rotational starting spot on the left flank. Manager Unai Emery could play Alejandro Garnacho, Emiliano Buendia or even George Hemmings, who started in the position in the 4-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion on the road.
Grealish played 90 minutes in almost every league game for Everton last term when fit, and he has probably been offered a similar guarantee which Villa can’t. It could be a matter of time before the 30-year-old makes the permanent switch to the Toffees.
Man City are pushing to land Ndiaye as a wide attacking situation. The Toffees value him at £80 million, but the final fee could be lowered to £60m if Grealish acts as a makeweight in the deal. Grealish earns a staggering £300,000 per week at Man City, and may have to accept a significant pay-cut to make the move with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford being Everton’s highest earner at £150,000 weekly.
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