Everton are currently focused on signing a new winger, with Jack Grealish high on the radar of Angus Kinnear.
The clock is now ticking down until the start of the new Premier League campaign, and David Moyes has some concerns over his squad depth.
Moyes has demanded more signings from the Friedkins in recent days following Everton’s pre-season games in the United States.
Huge changes have taken place on Merseyside this summer, but the 62-year-old does not believe his squad is ready for the challenge.
Since returning to the club, Moyes has wanted Everton to sign a new winger to provide balance with Iliman Ndiaye shining on the left.
Everton hold an interest in Grealish, but the Blues now face a race against time if they are going to land him in time for the trip to Elland Road.
Everton did not make Jack Grealish contact on Wednesday
Reports earlier in the week suggested that Everton had made contact with Man City over Grealish to push forward a potential deal.
However, this has now been played down by the respected journalist Paul Joyce.
Speaking on The Game podcast, Joyce has provided some clarity on what has actually happened between the two clubs.
“What was surprising about this one was that it was presented as if Everton had contacted Manchester City on Wednesday. That wasn’t the case,” said Joyce.
“There wasn’t contact between the clubs on Wednesday. There had been contact between the clubs previously and Everton know the situation with Grealish. Man City are looking for as much wage recoupment as possible.
“Everton know a deal would be worth around £12m to take him on loan for a single season. The numbers don’t put them off, but other factors need to be taken into consideration.”
Grealish has now rejected interest from Fenerbahce, but Everton are going to face competition from other clubs.
It is believed Tottenham Hotspur also have an interest in Grealish on the back of James Maddison’s injury suffered at the weekend.
- READ MORE: Tottenham eyeing Everton upset as they ‘closely’ monitor David Moyes target as well as Jack Grealish
Grealish deal largely depends on finances
After initial talks had been held between Everton and City, it became apparent that Everton may find their Grealish interest a difficult deal to pull off.
The loan fees would be substantial, as Joyce suggests, but Grealish would likely be seen as the statement signing that The Friedkin Group want.
What would be interesting to see is how this could affect a potential deal for Tyler Dibling.
Southampton’s CEO has told Everton to pay up for Dibling, with the Saints placing a huge £50m price tag on their 19-year-old talent.
The finances are in a much better place at Everton under the new owners, but £50m for Dibling and £12m in loan fees for Grealish would be a big ask.
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