How Rico Lewis to Everton transfer fell through as £30m deadline day plan revealed

Rico Lewis could have been an Everton player this season.

Everton and Manchester City have conducted plenty of business over the years, and this summer was no different.

Iliman Ndiaye has made his way to the Etihad, meanwhile, Jack Grealish's return to Hill Dickinson Stadium was negotiated in the final days of the window.

But, those discussions may have ended differently if the Toffees had got their way.

As Everton looked to end their search for a right-back, it seems they looked to the Citizens to help solve their issues.

With a move for Lewis proposed during talks over the future of Ndiaye and Grealish.

What was Everton's planned deal for Rico Lewis?

Lewis to Everton has been a move mooted for quite some time, and David Moyes is a fan of the defender.

There was seemingly concrete plans to bring him to Everton in the summer window.

According to the Sunday Express' print edition on 6 September, Lewis was originally planned to be included as part of a swap deal for Ndiaye.

They report that a £30million figure for Ndiaye was on the table, with Grealish returning on loan, with Lewis following him on a permanent move to Hill Dickinson.

However, in the end, Lewis would be the only one of the three who did not complete a transfer towards the end of the window.

In the end, it seemed like City decided against losing the versatile right-back, who can play on the left and in midfield as well.

Could Everton return for Lewis at some point?

Everton's right-back situation is still in dire straits. They only have one proper option at the club.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles' arrival has provided Moyes with an option that he will likely utilise far more often than Nathan Patterson.

But, should injury problems arise, then it could be back to using players like Merlin Rohl and Jake O'Brien out of position.

Interest in Lewis is clearly there, and the chance of a move in the future could still come about.

After starting the first game of the season for City, Lewis has remained an unused substitute in the following two Premier League games.

With him potentially being out of favour under Enzo Maresca, Lewis may question his future in Manchester.

If he decides it is time for a new challenge, Everton should put themselves top of the queue for the 21-year-old.

But for now, that is only a hypothetical, with Everton needing to draw up another shortlist for the right-back role.