Everton confident of retaining Grealish, assessing George future
Everton are increasingly confident of securing a deal to keep Jack Grealish at Goodison Park beyond his current loan spell, with talks scheduled with Manchester City in the coming weeks. According to TEAMtalk, the club does not plan to trigger a reported £50 million option to buy the winger, but is exploring alternative arrangements such as a second loan with an obligation to buy or a permanent transfer for a reduced fee.
Grealish, 30, has been sidelined with a long-term injury but made a significant impact earlier in the campaign, contributing two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances. Sources indicate the player has enjoyed his time on Merseyside and is open to staying, which has bolstered Everton's optimism. His future, along with several other squad decisions, will be finalized after the season concludes, with the club's potential European qualification affecting its budget.
Another loanee whose future is under consideration is Chelsea winger Tyrique George. The 20-year-old arrived on deadline day in January in a deal that includes an option to buy for approximately £25 million. George has seen limited action, making just one start, but impressed manager David Moyes with his performance off the bench in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Brentford. Moyes stated he "liked" the England under-21 international's desire to score and control, but sources indicate the player must demonstrate more in the remaining fixtures to justify the substantial fee.
Alongside potential new arrivals, Everton are engaged in contract discussions with three key players whose deals expire this summer. The club holds an option to extend the contract of 36-year-old midfielder Idrissa Gueye by a further year, and it is considered highly likely the Senegalese international will remain. Negotiations are also ongoing with left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, who has attracted interest from German clubs Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig, and centre-back Michael Keane.
Keane, 33, has proven a reliable deputy for the injured Jarrad Branthwaite this season and has been a part of one of the league's sturdiest defences. The club is reportedly open to offering the defender another short-term extension after he agreed to reduced terms last summer. Securing the futures of these experienced players is viewed as crucial for maintaining stability, especially if Everton secure European football for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for Moyes and the Everton hierarchy as they plot their summer strategy, with the retention of Grealish representing a major priority. His potential continued presence, alongside decisions on George and the out-of-contract trio, will shape the squad for what could be a historic campaign on Merseyside.
