Everton's plan to re-sign Jack Grealish in tatters after Premier League rivals make bid
Everton's plot to re-sign Jack Grealish may have taken a turn for the worse.
The Manchester City star spent last season on loan at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and was a fan favourite.
Grealish notched two goals and six assists before a fractured foot ended his campaign in January.
David Moyes was eyeing a last-minute swoop for the 30-year-old given his recovery issues and the wages that he is on at the Etihad Stadium.
The Merseysiders did not want to pay his salary while he was not fully fit, but that stance may come back to haunt them.
However, a new bid may force the Toffees' hand in the race for the former Aston Villa man and leave their plans in tatters.
Who has entered the race for Jack Grealish's signature?
The L3 outfit need to get a move on in their attempts to resign Grealish.
He reportedly loves the Blues after the relationship he formed with the fans and his teammates last time around.
He has hinted at a move to the Toffees all summer, but now Premier League rivals Sunderland have entered the race.
David Ornstein claimed on Wednesday that the Black Cats have made a loan bid for the winger.
His report states that City would cover a portion of the wages, and it is possible that the deal becomes permanent next summer.
Why Everton still hold the advantage in Grealish race
Grealish's preference is surely to return to Moyes' side.
He enjoyed his football for the first time in a long time with the Scottish manager, after miserable time under Pep Guardiola in Manchester.
Grealish has been posting about the Blues throughout the summer on social media, perhaps angling at a comeback.
For example, he reposted a clip of himself scoring against Crystal Palace for the Blues last season, before the Merseysiders' opening game against the Eagles.
If it was a competition between the People's Club and another English team, he would surely pick the one that he already has history with and where he is beloved by the supporters.
He would fit straight back in at Finch Farm, and most of his teammates from last season are still around and the mood around the club is positive right now, but would be even bigger if he was back.