Grealish Wants Everton Return as Transfer Deadline Looms

Jack Grealish would prefer to rejoin Everton if he leaves Manchester City before Tuesday's transfer deadline, according to sources who spoke to BBC Sport.

The 30-year-old winger spent last season on loan at Goodison Park, scoring twice and providing six assists in 20 appearances before a foot injury ended his campaign in January. Everton chose not to make the move permanent this summer, declining City's rumoured £50m valuation BBC Sport. But the door may not be closed. Chief executive Angus Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside that the club have "remained in contact" with Grealish.

City manager Enzo Maresca is open to letting Grealish go. Speaking on Thursday, he said he speaks with the player almost every day and that they would "see what happens in the next four to five days." Grealish has appeared as a substitute in City's opening two games of the season and is into the final year of a reported £300,000-a-week contract BBC Sport.

So far, City sources say there have been no concrete offers from any club. That has not stopped the rumour mill turning. Sunderland are exploring a bid, according to Sky Sports, with Everton still in the picture.

Grealish's decline at the Etihad has been steep. Two seasons ago he made just 10 starts, ending with more yellow cards than combined goals and assists. Last season his involvement dropped to 30% of available minutes — his fewest starts since he was 20. He was left out of the squad for the Club World Cup and worked alone at the training ground while the team travelled to the United States. Former England winger Theo Walcott suggested Grealish's "incredible talent" had been "coached out of him" BBC Sport.

A complicating factor is City's interest in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye. The 26-year-old has rejected multiple contract offers on Merseyside, and while Saudi side Al-Hilal wanted him this summer, he reportedly turned that down too. Ndiaye's contract runs until 2029, Everton are under no pressure to sell, and they would likely demand around £70m to even consider it.

For Grealish, a return to Everton would mean rejoining a club where he felt valued, even if only for half a season. The clock is ticking. Tuesday's deadline — the point after which Premier League clubs cannot sign players until January — is now days away, and no deal is on the table yet. Whether anyone moves first may decide whether one of England's most recognisable forwards spends the autumn on the pitch or on the bench.