Manchester City announcement suggests Jack Grealish is one step closer to joining Everton

Reunion talk for Everton and Jack Grealish continues to rumble on as the transfer deadline approaches.

The 30-year-old made a huge impression on the Hill Dickinson Stadium faithful whilst on loan last seasaon.

His two goals and six assists from 22 appearances suggested he could've made all the difference in Everton's European push.

Unfortunately, his season-ending foot injury in January curtailed that possibility, but he's now back fit once again.

Everton turned down the chance to make Grealish's loan move permanent for £50million earlier this summer, seeing that as being too expensive.

But neither the player nor David Moyes have given up hope of making a deal work, and their patience may be set to be rewarded.

Why Everton-linked Jack Grealish didn't play part for Man City on Friday

Round two of the 2026-27 Premier League season got going at Selhurst Park on Friday night.

Man City thrashed Crystal Palace 4-1, with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both bagging a brace for the Cityzens.

Grealish, however, was nowhere to be seen in Enzo Maresca's squad, as he didn't make the trip down to the capital.

The print edition of the Daily Mail on Saturday has revealed that the winger was left out of City's squad due to interest from Everton and Tottenham.

But what is potentially the last hurdle in Everton's path to a deadline-busting Grealish return?

Why Everton's move for Grealish could be out of their hands

Should the 30-year-old make his way back to Everton this summer, the blue half of Merseyside will be bouncing.

With Iliman Ndiaye potentially leaving before the window shuts too, Moyes could be in great need of Grealish for a number of reasons.

Unfortunately, striking a deal before the window closes may not be as simple as Everton tabling a bid and getting it accepted by Man City.

However, it's claimed that the Reds are wanting to bring in two more forwards before they even consider letting the Dutchman leave.

That might not happen until deadline day, possibly leaving Everton in a mad late scramble to get a deal done.

And if Liverpool don't get those additions, then that might have the potential for City to reconsider selling Grealish, and keeping him instead.

Perhaps some dominoes need to fall then in order for Everton to welcome back the England international this summer.

The aforementioned Daily Mail report also claims that City are competing with Spurs for the signing of Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo.