EVERTON are closing in on a deal to land Jack Grealish on a season-long loan, reports suggest.
Grealish, 29, has been deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
GettyJack Grealish is closing on a loan transfer to Everton[/caption]
But after struggling for game time last season, the England international is hoping to reignite his club career to earn his place back in Thomas Tuchel‘s plans for the World Cup.
And according to The Times, Grealish is closing in on a transfer to join David Moyes‘ Everton.
One of the main issues has been the former Aston Villa star’s £300,000-a-week wages – possibly amounting to a package worth at least £12million.
However, the Toffees will not let that be a sticking point as talks have continued with the belief Grealish is willing to move.
Grealish has struggled to contribute goals at City in the way he did with Aston Villa, often being used as a foil to bring the ball upfield and win fouls in the final third rather than as the primary attacking threat.
But if David Moyes is willing to unleash him in the way the Villans did, Grealish may be able to return to the levels seen during his time in the West Hidlands.
Man City left Grealish at home during the Club World Cup and repeated that act for a pre-season friendly today in Italy against Palmero.
Guardiola fielded two completely teams across the halves of football as the Cityzens triumphed 3-0, courtesy of a 25th Erling Haaland strike and a second half brace from Tijjani Reijnders.
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Everton have thus far signed five players this summer, including spending big money on Thierno Barry from Villarreal and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea.
They have also seen three bids, the latest of which came out to £37m including add-ons, rejected by Southampton for Tyler Dibling.
The 19-year-old was left out of the Saints squad to face Wrexham in their Championship opener – which they won 2-1.
Southampton countered by demanding a package of £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25 per cent sell-on clause.
Everton open their season with an away trip to newly-promoted Leeds before hosting Brighton in their first competitive fixture at the new 52,000-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Meanwhile, Man City travel to Wolves on the opening weekend before hosting Tottenham at the Etihad.
