Everton are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish.
Grealish, a technically gifted creative midfielder, burst onto the scene in the second half of the 2014/15 season, shining in an advanced role during the Birmingham club’s surge to the FA Cup final.
The 21-year-old has failed to kick on to any real degree since then, courting controversy off the pitch and losing his place in a Villa side that were relegated to the Championship at the end of the current campaign.
However, the Telegraph reports that an impressive showing for England under-21’s in the recent Toulon tournament has brought the controversial talent back on the radar of a host of Premier League clubs, including Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City.
The trio are thought to be keen on taking advantage of Villa’s relegation by making a cut-price swoop for Grealish, who netted twice in Gareth Southgate’s side’s 7-1 demolition of Guinea in France.
Everton, however, remain intent on securing a new manager to replace the recently departed Roberto Martinez, and will prioritise that over new signings.
Stoke City, who have already lodged their interest with Villa, are believed to be at the head of the queue for the youngster as a result.