Everton manager David Moyes has addressed speculation linking Jack Grealish with a return to the club. Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, Moyes confirmed the club's recruitment aims but declined to comment directly on the Manchester City winger.
The story, first reported by Independent Football, suggests Grealish has chosen Everton as his preferred destination should City decide to sell him this summer. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Goodison Park, contributing two goals and six assists in 20 league appearances before a broken foot required surgery and cut his spell short in February. He is now into the final year of his contract with the reigning champions.
What did David Moyes say about transfers?
Moyes held his weekly press conference on Thursday, with the transfer window's closure looming. He stated the club's broad intentions clearly. "We are in the recruitment business and we are looking to see if we can bring some players in if possible," the Everton boss said. However, he would not be drawn on specific names, including Grealish.
The manager also addressed interest in his own squad. Manchester City are reportedly keen on Everton forward Illiman Ndiaye. Moyes emphasised that Everton are under no pressure to sell their key assets. "We are not in a hurry to sell our best players," he stated, reinforcing a stance of strength as the window enters its final days.
Where does Everton's squad stand currently?
Everton head into the weekend fourth in the Premier League table with three points from one game, having begun the campaign with a 2-0 victory. They have scored two goals and conceded none, giving them a positive goal difference early on. Their next test is an away trip to face Bournemouth, who sit 14th.
Midfielder James Garner, who featured in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Preston, could be pushing for a starting role at the Vitality Stadium. Fellow midfielder Tim Iroegbunam remains unavailable through injury, a situation tracked on the club's injuries page. The team will look to build on a solid seventh-place finish in last season's away form standings.
What is the context of the Grealish rumours?
Grealish's potential availability has sparked interest from several clubs. Alongside Everton, both Sunderland and his boyhood club Aston Villa are said to be monitoring the situation. His productive, if abbreviated, loan spell at Goodison Park last term has fueled the belief he could fit seamlessly back into Moyes's system.
Everton's immediate focus, however, is on continuing their strong start. After the Bournemouth match, they are due to host Manchester United next weekend in a challenging sequence of fixtures. Fans can follow the team's progress and view the full fixtures list on the club's official site.
What comes next for Everton?
The priority is the Premier League encounter with Bournemouth on Saturday. Securing another positive result would maintain momentum before the international break. In the background, the club's recruitment team will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen the squad before the window shuts. Moyes will hope his side can replicate their effective away performances from the 2025/26 campaign. The current standings show Everton well-placed, and a win could see them consolidate their position near the top of the table.
