Jack Grealish’s Everton return, Sunderland interest and feeling loved | OneFootball

Jack Grealish sealed a deadline-day loan back to Everton, ending a summer of uncertainty over his fitness and Manchester City future. He turned 31 last week after January foot surgery.

According to NY Times, Sunderland showed late interest after he spoke with their goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler. Aston Villa explored a move, but a return there was unlikely.

Everton waited for outgoings and positive medical reports before acting.

A stress fracture in his left foot, diagnosed after the 1-0 win at Villa in mid-January, crushed faint World Cup hopes. He stayed at Everton for treatment before Premier League rules required him to leave Finch Farm on 1 July.

Back at City and in limbo, he called the period a "real struggle". A Community Shield cameo in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal followed, then Sunderland bid and Everton’s late call.

Everton had always been his preference. "Everton was always in his mind to go back there," he told the club channel. "I’m at my best when I feel loved."

The club, assessing alternatives, moved after Iliman Ndiaye joined City for £65 million. The loan is understood to cost around £10 million.

David Moyes wants him to be a senior example for Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling. Everton accept he needs time to sharpen up. "We need to use Jack and adapt around him," Moyes said.

Source: NY Times

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”