Everton have agreed a deal to bring Jack Grealish back from Manchester City on a season-long loan, with the England winger due to undergo a medical before Tuesday’s 23:00 BST transfer deadline.
The 30-year-old spent much of last season at Goodison Park and is understood to have made Everton his preferred destination despite interest from other clubs, including his boyhood side Aston Villa.
Grealish made 20 appearances for the Toffees during his previous spell, scoring twice and creating six goals before a foot injury ended his campaign in January.
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear said the club had “remained in contact” with Grealish, helping pave the way for his return to Merseyside.
The move comes as Everton prepare to lose winger Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City in a deal worth up to £65m. The Senegal international is expected to complete his transfer on deadline day, leaving David Moyes’ side seeking additional attacking options.
Everton are also closing in on a £40m deal for Monaco and United States forward Folarin Balogun, while their attempt to re-sign Richarlison from Tottenham has stalled over personal terms.
Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for £100m in August 2021. He has made more than 150 appearances for City, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup.
He featured twice for City at the start of the season, appearing as a substitute in the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal and in the Premier League victory at Bournemouth. He was not involved in Friday’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.
Everton are also negotiating with Torino over a possible move for Scotland defender Nathan Patterson. The 24-year-old could leave either on loan or in a permanent transfer.
The Toffees host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, with Grealish’s return expected to be completed before then if the medical and final paperwork proceed as planned.
