Why Everton may about to have perfect chance to finally seal permanent Jack Grealish deal

Everton could once again welcome Jack Grealish from Manchester City with open arms.

The ex-England international completed a loan switch to Hill Dickinson Stadium 12 months ago in a highly-anticipated move.

There was a hope that he could rediscover the form that had prompted Manchester City to pay £100million for his signature.

It was the perfect market opportunity for David Moyes and Co. to take up, and it looked to have paid off.

That was until a January injury ended his season, and therefore his loan spell, on Merseyside.

Everton have still shown a keen interest in bringing Grealish back and could soon do exactly that.

Everton to benefit as £85m bid ready at Manchester City

It is so clear that the attacking midfielder loved his time with the Blues.

He remained at Finch Farm to continue his recovery while he remained on loan from the Etihad.

That smacks of a player who wants to stick around, even if he is now back with the Citizens ready for their pre-season campaign.

Even if that may be the case, it looks as if he could be set to be replaced.

That comes as Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg reported via X on Saturday that City are willing to pay around £85m for Yann Diomande.

The RB Leipzig star has emerged as a target and talks have already got underway, although a bid remains in the pipeline.

That sort of fee would represent a record for an African player, surpassing the £72m that Arsenal paid for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

Should City spend that kind of money, it would likely come at the expense of Grealish.

Something that would certainly play into Everton's hands.

What has Enzo Maresca said about Grealish at Man City?

There have been questions throughout the summer about the future of the Englishman with the Sky Blues.

Things may change with Pep Guardiola gone and Enzo Maresca now in his place.

The Italian worked with the former Aston Villa star during his stint on the City coaching staff and has discussed the attacker since his return as boss.

As covered by Goodison News on Friday, Maresca discussed Grealish at City in his first press conference, saying: "Jack at the moment is here, he is a Man City player.

"At any club I join, if there are players that belong to the club then it is my duty to coach them.

"I have a good relationship with Jack. Since I left, we've kept in touch and the reason why is because he has a good heart and he is a good guy."

That doesn't necessarily lend itself to clearing up his future at the Etihad, but the fact they are eying new attacking options certainly does.

Bringing in Diomande would be a statement, but likely would spell the end for Grealish and may invite a Hill Dickinson return.