Everton News: Villa’s Keita hijack, Spence’s £25m price tag and Grealish’s uncertain wait

Three separate threads have moved for Everton so far on this sunny Thursday. Here’s where each one stands.

Aston Villa move for Keita

Aston Villa have made Mandela Keita a priority target following Amadou Onana’s ACL injury at the World Cup, according to TEAMtalk, with Villa reported to be moving for the Parma midfielder “ahead of Leeds and Everton.” Everton’s interest had been advanced, with club-to-club talks opened before Atalanta’s involvement added competition from Italy. Villa’s Champions League football gives them a strong card to play in any direct contest for the player, valued at around £26m.

Spence price emerges

Everton are reported to be ready to pay £25m for Djed Spence, with Tottenham said to be open to a sale as competition for places increases under Roberto De Zerbi. It’s the clearest financial detail yet in a right-back search that has already run through Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ben White and Guéla Doué. Nothing is expected to move while Spence remains with England at the World Cup.

Grealish decision delayed

Jack Grealish’s Everton return looks less straightforward than it did a fortnight ago. New Man City boss Enzo Maresca is reported to want to personally assess Grealish in pre-season before sanctioning any exit, a step back from the “confident” framing Everton were using around a second loan or reduced fee. Grealish’s preference for Everton is unchanged, but the decision now sits with City rather than the player.