Jack Grealish favours Everton return as Manchester City push for permanent exit

Jack Grealish is understood to favour a return to Everton if he leaves Manchester City before the transfer deadline, with the England international’s preference adding fresh momentum to a move that would bring him back to the club where he spent last season on loan.

Everton remain interested in re-signing the 30-year-old, while City are believed to prefer a permanent transfer rather than another temporary arrangement as Grealish enters the final year of his contract.

That difference in structure is likely to be the central obstacle.

A permanent deal would allow City to resolve Grealish’s future and recover a fee rather than risk his value falling further, but it would also require Everton to commit significantly more than they did during last season’s loan.

Grealish’s own position strengthens Everton’s hand. Reports indicate that, if presented with a choice between a return to Merseyside and other available options, he would favour Everton after an encouraging spell at the club.

Aston Villa have also been linked with the winger, creating the possibility of another route back to familiar surroundings, but there is currently no confirmed agreement with either club.

For Everton, the sporting logic is straightforward. Grealish already understands the squad, the environment and the demands of the role he was given last season, reducing the adaptation risk normally attached to a late-window attacking signing.

For Manchester City, the calculation is more financial.

Another loan would preserve flexibility for the player but delay a permanent resolution until a point when his contract would be much closer to expiry. A sale now would provide greater certainty, even if it requires compromise over valuation.

The situation therefore remains short of an advanced transfer.

Everton have interest, Grealish is reported to favour the move and City are open to a permanent exit, but the clubs still need to find a structure that works for all three parties.

If that happens, Grealish’s preferred destination appears increasingly clear.