Everton is working to secure a permanent transfer for Jack Grealish at a significantly reduced fee following the expiration of his season-long loan on June 30.
The 30-year-old winger remains at Everton's Finch Farm training complex for rehabilitation from a foot stress fracture suffered in January, rather than returning to Manchester City.
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The initial loan agreement included a £50 million option-to-buy clause, but Everton's financial constraints under Profit and Sustainability Rules make that figure unfeasible.
Manchester City is eager to offload Grealish to clear his substantial wages, with independent valuations now placing his price between £16 million and £21 million.
Impact on Everton's Season
Former Everton scout Bryan King told Football Insider that Grealish's injury significantly affected the team's performance.
"The moment Jack Grealish became injured, Everton's results seemed to drop away because he was a great motivation for the team and for the club," King said.
Everton won only four of 18 league matches without Grealish.
King believes Manchester City will accept a lower fee, estimating a cut price between £35 million and £40 million.
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Manager David Moyes has been vocal about wanting to keep Grealish, who contributed two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances before his injury.
"Obviously we like Jack a lot. We've looked after Jack all the time since his injury.
It's looking in good order now," Moyes said.
Grealish's presence also affected teammate Iliman Ndiaye, who shifted to the right flank and saw his goal output drop.
Moyes noted that financing the transfer is the biggest hurdle, as Everton covered an estimated 75 percent of Grealish's City salary last year, roughly £12 million.
Grealish recently posted on Instagram about returning to light training at Finch Farm.
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Everton faces no rival bids for the winger, who has one year left on his contract, giving the club leverage in negotiations.
