Jack Grealish wants to go back to Everton. That is the clearest signal yet to emerge from a transfer saga that has been quietly building all summer, with BBC Sport reporting that the Manchester City winger's preference, should he leave the Etihad before Tuesday's deadline, is a return to Goodison Park.

The 30-year-old spent last season on Merseyside, contributing two goals and six assists in 20 appearances before a foot injury ended his campaign in January. By most accounts it was a productive stint — good enough, it seems, to leave Grealish keen on making the arrangement permanent.

Maresca Open to Exit

New City boss Enzo Maresca has not slammed the door on a sale. Grealish has featured only as a substitute in City's opening two Premier League fixtures, and Maresca confirmed on Thursday that the situation remains fluid. "Jack is here. Until the day he is, it is my duty to try and help him to give us the best," the Italian said. "In the next four, five days, we will see what happens. I speak with Jack almost every day."

Those comments are hardly a ringing endorsement of Grealish's long-term future at the club, and the noises out of the Etihad suggest City would not stand in his way if a suitable offer arrived. The catch, for now, is that no concrete bid from any club has landed on City's desk.

Everton and Villa Both Circle

Everton's interest is genuine and reciprocated. Chief executive Angus Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside recently that the club have "remained in contact" with Grealish, a phrase that suggests a live conversation rather than idle window-shopping. David Moyes will be well aware of what the winger can offer at full fitness, having watched him integrate seamlessly into Toffees life last term.

Aston Villa are also believed to be interested in re-signing their former captain, and it would be a compelling homecoming narrative. But the source material is clear: Grealish's own preference points to Merseyside, not the Midlands.

The Ndiaye Complication

There is an intriguing subplot to all of this. City themselves are monitoring Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, who has turned down several contract extensions at Goodison and reportedly rejected a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal this summer. The Senegal international is 26, under contract until 2029, and Everton are under no pressure to sell — with the club expected to demand something in the region of £70 million to even consider opening talks.

The possibility of a Grealish-for-Ndiaye dynamic — perhaps not a straight swap but two deals that inform each other — adds a layer of complexity to what could otherwise be a straightforward loan-to-permanent transfer. Whether Moyes and his board are willing to do business with City on both fronts simultaneously remains to be seen.

Deadline Day Pressure Mounts

With Tuesday's window closing fast, the pressure is on all parties to move quickly. Grealish is not getting any younger, City are carrying him without a clear plan for his role under Maresca, and Everton know a fit, motivated Grealish is a genuine asset in their Premier League survival calculations.

For now, the ball is in Everton's court. If they can put together an offer that satisfies City, a deal could yet happen before the clock runs out.

Frequently asked

Is Jack Grealish leaving Manchester City this summer?
Grealish could leave before Tuesday's transfer deadline. Manager Enzo Maresca has indicated he is open to a departure, though no concrete offer from any club had been received at the time of writing.
Did Jack Grealish play for Everton last season?
Yes. Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, scoring two goals and providing six assists in 20 appearances before a foot injury ended his campaign in January.
Who is Iliman Ndiaye and why is he linked to Manchester City?
Iliman Ndiaye is a 26-year-old Senegal international winger at Everton. City have registered an interest in signing him, though Everton are under no pressure to sell and are reported to want around £70 million for the player.