Everton are in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer transfer window and have already made contact with a number of targets.
David Moyes has identified the lack of goals in recent years as a major issue and wants to rectify it by adding more quality up top.
That said, Everton are ready to pay £33m to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal after missing out on Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
The Toffees are also eyeing Manchester City’s James McAtee, who has been made available by Pep Guardiola.
McAtee has been left out of the Citizens’ Club World Cup squad, as has teammate Jack Grealish.
David Ornstein has tipped Grealish to join Everton this summer, interestingly, but now Newcastle United are making advances.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Newcastle want to sign Everton target Jack Grealish
We understand Jack Grealish to Everton is a real possibility, with the Friedkin Group keen to make statement additions ahead of the move to the Hill Dickinson.
However, according to Alan Nixon, Newcastle United are now showing a serious interest in the England international.
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Eddie Howe is considering a season-long loan deal for Grealish, with the hope that City pay a proportion of his £300,000-a-week wages.
Nixon also reports that a potential Anthony Gordon departure could accelerate a move for the former Aston Villa talisman.
As it stands, it would appear Newcastle are better placed to land Grealish’s signature, so Everton are being forced to move at a quicker pace with this deal.
Grealish’s underlying data remains impressive
Despite limited minutes last season and a growing number of critics, Grealish’s underlying data actually remains really impressive.
The 29-year-old ranks in the top one per cent for progressive carries per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe, as per FBref.
The City wideman is still one of the best dribblers in Europe and would be a major asset to Everton next term.
Grealish also sits in the top eight per cent for shot-creating actions, evincing his elite playmaking abilities.
So, if Moyes is able to land his signature, it’d be a fantastic signing.