How Jordan Pickford nearly stopped Everton from Jack Grealish transfer

Jack Grealish is in somewhat of a tug-of-war ahead of his next move away from Manchester City.

After a disappointing end to his loan spell at Everton last season, he's wanted for redemption at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Injury cut short his season in January, and David Moyes has made it no secret that he'd love to have him back again.

Only this time, things are more complicated.

Sunderland have made a shock approach for Grealish, while Aston Villa are also putting themselves into the race.

And Jordan Pickford hasn't exactly helped matters with his work this week.

Where Jordan Pickford has been spotted with Jack Grealish

Usually, fans would have been excited by Pickford being spotted having a good laugh with Grealish.

Ahead of the 1 September deadline, Everton still fancy their chances of signing Grealish, so this is great news.

But, the Guardian has reported in its print edition on Thursday that Pickford was spotted with the £300,000-a-week winger in the North East.

Sunderland are said to be happy to pay his huge wages, and he is open to a move there if the possibility arises.

Given Pickford is a boyhood Mackem, signing for the Toffees from there, him being "delighted" to show him around isn't exactly great.

Who are the favourites to sign Grealish?

Thankfully, it looks like the Blues.

Grealish will have a sense of unfinished business on Merseyside, and they've already proven that financial terms are no issue, given their agreement last season.

Everton were said to have spent £12million all in on Grealish, and could even secure better terms this time around.

With his contract at Man City running out next summer, any agreement now would likely become permanent.

Enzo Maresca may have used him in the Community Shield, but that game had already gone against Arsenal and he's on the way out, still.

Of course, Pickford and Grealish being in the North East could mean absolutely nothing in regards to Sunderland, and it's an easy sugge

Right now, Everton appear to be in the driving seat, so if nothing goes horrendously wrong, he could sign before Tuesday's deadline.