Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Wed 8 April 2026 8:10, UK

David Moyes was spotted watching Manchester City in person at the weekend, while Everton‘s talks over Jack Grealish continue to progress in the background.

Moyes is keen to re-sign Grealish for next season, and the Toffees are actively exploring a loan deal with City. So far, a concrete agreement has not materialised.

The 30-year-old ace scored two goals and registered six assists in his 22 appearances on Merseyside before a foot fracture in January prematurely ended his campaign.

After successfully bringing in Grealish last summer, Everton hold the option to turn the deal permanent for £50million, but that eye-popping valuation looks increasingly unrealistic.

Moyes could, therefore, move on to other transfer targets. However, he may also have helped grease the wheels in discussions over Grealish after making an appearance at the Etihad.

Why was David Moyes spotted at Man City?

At present, Everton are more likely to sign Grealish on loan. There will be stern competition, even though the forward is believed to be keen on extending his stay.

While the transfer merry-go-round rolls on behind the scenes, Moyes was pictured at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon to watch Manchester City thrash Liverpool.

Despite the Toffees being given the weekend off during the FA Cup quarter-finals, the 62-year-old kept himself busy by casting his eye over two of his side’s upcoming opponents.

Indeed, Everton will take on Merseyside rivals Liverpool on April 19 before welcoming City to Hill Dickinson Stadium on May 4 – two crucial fixtures in their Champions League bid.

His trip, though, could have been two-pronged. While the excursion would have allowed him to assess the two giants’ weaknesses, he might have also held secret transfer talks.

Surely it could not have been a coincidence that his trip took place in parallel to his attempts to secure Grealish’s signature for at least another season.

Incidentally, Everton have also been linked with City youngster Rico Lewis.

Grealish must compromise to make move happen

There is no doubt that Moyes is desperate to keep Grealish, who made a significant impact both on and off the pitch for Everton before he was forced to go under the knife.

But the three-time Premier League winner will still need to meet the Toffees halfway at the very least to prove he really is serious about extending his stay on Merseyside.

He currently earns around £300,000-a-week, with Everton paying around £12million.

That is simply not sustainable, so he will likely have to settle for wages of around £150,000-a-week instead. If he isn’t willing, Fulham’s Harry Wilson is a cost-effective alternative.