Everton in talks to keep Grealish as City eye young star and Rodri future
Everton have opened discussions with Jack Grealish's representatives in an effort to secure the Manchester City winger on a permanent deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Grealish is currently on a season-long loan at Goodison Park, where he has reportedly rediscovered his form before a recent injury halted his progress.
The 30-year-old, who joined City from Aston Villa for a British record fee in 2021, has impressed Everton's hierarchy with his performances. The club now aims to negotiate a solution that would see him remain on Merseyside beyond the current campaign. Romano reports that Grealish is open to the possibility, but any deal is complicated by his significant salary and the need for an agreement with his parent club, Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are working to secure the long-term future of another key player, with a new contract offer on the table for midfielder Rodri. The Spain international, whose current deal runs until 2027, is considering the proposal amid longstanding interest from Real Madrid. Romano states that Real Madrid's interest is genuine but that the Spanish giants are unwilling to pay an exorbitant fee, making Rodri's own decision pivotal to how the situation develops. City are reportedly confident the 29-year-old is returning to his best form following a serious ACL injury.
In other business, Pep Guardiola's side are also closely tracking 16-year-old Hertha Berlin defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn. The German youth international is considered one of Europe's top teenage talents, attracting interest from several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs. City's plan, should they secure a deal, would likely involve signing Eichhorn and immediately loaning him out for development, as he would be unable to feature for them until he turns 18.
City also appear to be leading the race for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, a player also admired by Manchester United. Romano indicates that conversations between City and the player's camp are advanced, though a final fee is yet to be agreed with Forest, whose Premier League status could influence the valuation. The 23-year-old midfielder has been a standout performer for Forest this season, elevating his profile significantly.
Finally, Romano has moved to dismiss speculation linking AC Milan forward Rafael Leao with a summer move to Barcelona. He described the stories as stemming from the player's camp being offered to Barcelona president Joan Laporta over a period of years, rather than any active negotiation between the two clubs. He stated there are no imminent developments regarding the Portuguese star's future.
