Everton are going to be one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window.
David Moyes has a big rebuild on his hands, with several first-teamers out of contract and set to leave on a free transfer.
Although, good news emerged this morning, as Idrissa Gana Gueye is now set to extend his stay at Everton.
The Toffees have been busy drawing up a list of potential targets to kickstart the rebuild, and Jack Grealish’s name has continued to pop up.
David Ornstein has tipped Grealish to potentially join Everton, and that deal could become a lot more realistic with one key advantage they hold over other suitors.
Photo by Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images
Everton could use Jordan Pickford to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City
Pep Guardiola left Grealish out of the final matchday squad and admitted that his future could lie away from the Etihad Stadium.
“Of course Jack has to play,” Guardiola explained. “He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either.
“He needs to do it. With us or another place. It’s a question for Jack, his agent and the club.”
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That provides Everton with an opportunity to make a statement signing, and they could lean on Jordan Pickford’s connections to get a deal done.
Pickford and Grealish share the same agency, CAA Stellar, and regularly play together on the international stage with England.
They’re thought to have a close relationship, with Grealish hailing Pickford last November after a 3-0 win against Greece.
So perhaps Pickford can convince the City star to make a switch to Merseyside.
Concern over deal for Grealish
A lot has been made about Everton’s interest in Grealish, with many suggesting it wouldn’t be a financially viable deal to do.
The 29-year-old reportedly earns £300,000-a-week, as per Capology, which is way behind the current highest earner at Finch Farm.
And, on top of his wages, it’d take a bid of around £40m to get him out of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Given that the Friedkins are keen to recruit young talent and drive down the average age of the squad, it would go against the recruitment policy.
However, perhaps Everton will make an exception for Grealish.