Everton boss David Moyes has been given a transfer boost ahead of the looming summer window.
Everton now outside European contenders but cause for optimism
The maths are against them, but Everton are not quite finished yet.
Everton manager David Moyes celebrates after the match
The Toffees sit 10th in the Premier League, level on 48 points with both Chelsea and Fulham, and three points behind Brentford in seventh place with three games to play.
The top five are guaranteed Champions League football, with sixth place earning Europa League entry and seventh potentially picking up the Conference League berth.
Under Moyes, the Toffees have punched consistently above their weight at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in their debut season, and the performance against Man City on Monday — drawing 3-3 despite leading 3-1 with eight minutes to play — demonstrated the cruel margins that have cost them several crucial points in the run-in.
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Regardless of where the season ends, Everton's summer plans are already being made, and according to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, one piece of business above all others is pretty likely.
Everton likeliest to sign Jack Grealish who is ready to commit
Indeed, Jack Grealish is described by sources as the most likely of Everton's summer transfer targets, with the club keen to open talks over a fresh loan deal with City for the England winger.
Man-City-Jack-Grealish-Everton
The key detail that makes this realistic is the willingness on both sides.
Everton want him back, City see no future for the 30-year-old at the Etihad, and Grealish is understood to be ready to return to the Hill Dickinson for next season.
The alignment between all parties gives this one a genuine chance of happening.
Before his season-ending injury, the ex-Aston Villa star made 20 appearances in the Premier League for Moyes this season, starting 18 of them, and contributed eight goal involvements while creating 2.1 chances per 90 minutes.
That return has underlined his quality when fully fit.
Jack-Grealish
However, Grealish is viewed as just the starting point.
O'Rourke reports that Moyes is not satisfied with his current attacking options and is determined to add further firepower, with both Beto and Thierno Barry having failed to consistently hit the required levels throughout the season.
Two other names on Everton's shortlist are John Stones and Ben White.
The City defender is out of contract this summer, but is understood to be holding out for a substantial package that several clubs across Europe are ready to meet — making it a difficult race for Everton to win.
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However, other reports suggest the Merseysiders have contacted Stones' camp to gauge the feasibility of a deal regardless.
White, meanwhile, remains under contract at Arsenal for two more years, and the fee required to prise him away makes the deal extremely unlikely at this stage.
The reality is that Everton cannot sustain the wages of all three.
Grealish is the one they can make happen — and, for now, the one they most want.
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The Toffees are 'serious' suitors.