Jack Grealish wants to go back to Goodison Park. That is the clearest signal yet to emerge from a transfer saga that has been rumbling through the final days of the summer window, with sources telling BBC Sport that the Manchester City winger's preference, should he leave the Etihad before Tuesday's deadline, is a return to Everton.

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. Despite that frustrating conclusion, the spell appears to have left a strong impression on the England international — strong enough that he would choose the Toffees ahead of what many might assume would be the more romantic option of heading back to Aston Villa, the club he captained before his record move to City in 2021.

Maresca Open to Exit

New City boss Enzo Maresca has been candid about Grealish's situation. The Italian confirmed this week that he speaks with the winger «almost every day» and said plainly that the club will «see what happens» in the next few days. Grealish has featured as a substitute in City's opening two Premier League fixtures this season but has yet to force his way into Maresca's first-choice plans, and the manager has made clear he is open to sanctioning a departure before the window shuts.

Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear has already acknowledged that the club have «remained in contact» with Grealish, a phrase that, in the language of transfer windows, carries considerable weight. No concrete offer has yet landed on City's desk from any club, according to sources familiar with the situation, but the noises out of Merseyside suggest Everton's interest is genuine rather than speculative.

Villa, meanwhile, are said to still hold an interest in bringing back their former captain, but with no firm bid tabled there either, Grealish remains a City player heading into the final stretch of the window.

The Ndiaye Complication

There is a further wrinkle to the Everton–City dynamic this summer. Manchester City are understood to hold an interest in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, the 26-year-old Senegal international who has rejected multiple contract extensions at the club. Ndiaye turned down a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal earlier in the window, and David Moyes' side are under no obligation to sell — his contract runs until 2029. Everton would reportedly demand a fee in the region of £70 million before even considering a sale, a figure that makes any deal complicated.

Whether the Ndiaye situation has any bearing on a potential Grealish return remains to be seen, but it adds an intriguing layer to talks between two clubs who appear to have plenty to discuss before Tuesday's deadline.

What Happens Next

The market has little time left to move. With the window closing on Tuesday, the next 72 hours will determine whether Grealish's preference becomes reality or whether he remains part of Maresca's squad for the rest of the campaign. Given the manager's openness to a departure and Everton's stated desire to stay close to the player, the foundations for a deal appear to be there — it is simply a question of whether the clubs can agree terms quickly enough.

For Everton supporters, the prospect of Grealish returning — fit and available from the off this time — will be an appealing one. For City, the priority is clarity before the deadline. One way or another, the situation looks set to resolve itself in the coming days.

FAQs

Frequently asked

Where does Jack Grealish want to go on loan or transfer?
According to BBC Sport sources, Grealish's preference is to return to Everton if he leaves Manchester City before the summer transfer deadline on Tuesday.
Is Aston Villa interested in signing Jack Grealish again?
Aston Villa are believed to still hold an interest in re-signing their former captain, but no concrete offer has been made to Manchester City as yet.
How did Grealish perform at Everton last season?
Grealish scored twice and provided six assists in 20 appearances during his time at Everton last season before suffering a season-ending foot injury in January.