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Ollie Watkins says player who wants Everton move is his greatest teammate

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Everton are yet to make a signing this summer.

The Toffees are trying to take Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough before engaging in any other transfer business, and have already seen two bids rejected – one worth £12m and the other worth £15m.

The Middlesbrough No.7 wants to join Everton – and is not the only one.

Jack Grealish is also keen to move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium again after his loan from Manchester City expired – and England international Ollie Watkins has now made a bold claim about his former teammate.

What should Everton be willing to pay to bring back Grealish over the summer? 💰

Jack Grealish of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United. Jack Grealish of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Livesey/Matt McNulty

Ollie Watkins selects Jack Grealish as the best footballer he’s played alongside

The Aston Villa No.11 sat down with SW to answer a range of questions, and opted for Grealish when asked to name the best footballer he has ever played alongside.

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In an exclusive SW interview, Ollie Watkins takes on quick fire questions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Watch the full interview with SW on Youtube now. Link in bio.

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That speaks volumes, considering Watkins has played with the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham for England, and also shares a dressing room with stars such as Morgan Rogers, Amadou Onana and John McGinn at Villa Park.

Clearly, Grealish is admired by his peers, and if Everton can arrange his return for a fee in the region of £25m or less this summer, it could prove to be one of the bargains of the window.

David Moyes has already said the England international is “loved” at Everton, and reports claim the Glaswegian wants the 30-year-old signed to a permanent deal.

Several reports state that Grealish also wants to return, a rumour he effectively confirmed by himself at Everton’s awards evening by chanting “one more year, one more year, Jacky Grealish” while on stage.

If you were Angus Kinnear who would you be going all out for this summer? 💰

Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr. John Stones of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Salford City. Troy Parrott of AZ Alkmaar celebrates after scoring his teams third goal during the Dutch Eredivsie match between AZ Alkmaar and sc Heerenveen.
Credit: Getty Images/Yasser Bakhsh/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Ed van de Pol/BSR Agency.

It remains to be seen what happens considering Pep Guardiola has now departed Manchester City, but unless Enzo Maresca makes an enticing pitch for Grealish to stay at the Etihad Stadium, we would expect the former Aston Villa talisman to make a permanent move to Everton.