- Everton is not expected to breach PSR rules for Nathan Ake and John Stones
- Jack Grealish is expected to permanently move to Everton
- Everton are also linked with Nathan Ake and John Stones
Everton’s summer transfer plans have been the subject of intense speculation, with links to Manchester City trio Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake and John Stones.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness, who served at Everton between 2004 and 2009, has offered a reality check. Speaking about the club’s PSR constraints to Football Insider, Wyness believes only Grealish is likely to arrive and that the other two City stars are out of reach.
‘We don’t want to become a retirement home for Man City players’
Wyness was clear about the financial limitations. “I don’t think we want to become known as sort of the retirement home for lots of Man City players, that’s for sure. Plus also Everton, let’s be honest, although the new stadium is coming in, we’ve still got PSR issues in terms of budget. If you start looking at Grealish’s wages, then you look at Ake, who’s going to cost £25m to £30m and then John Stones’ wages as well if he was to come, then it becomes just too big a package.
“There are other areas that we need strengthening, like at full-back and up front where I think the money will be spent. So again, it’s more agents linking it with those three players. Grealish will probably happen, and I’m not so sure about the other two.”
Wyness also confirmed Everton have been in discussions with John Stones, but face tough competition from Bayern Munich.
Jack Grealish is the most likely arrival at Everton
Jack Grealish moved to Everton on loan from Manchester City last August and was enjoying a brilliant spell before a foot fracture ruled him out for the remainder of the season. In 22 appearances across all competitions, he scored two goals and provided six assists. His impact went beyond numbers as Everton have lacked creativity in wide areas since his injury.
Grealish has settled well on Merseyside, and his relationship with David Moyes has been key to his resurgence. The club are believed to be willing to spend around £20m to sign him permanently. His performances made him a fan favourite, and a return would be welcomed by supporters.
Nathan Ake, linked with a £25m-£30m move and John Stones, who is a free agent but on high wages, would stretch Everton’s budget too far, especially with other priority positions to fill. Wyness suggests the club will be pragmatic in its business. Grealish is the realistic target and perhaps the only one from Manchester City who will be wearing the dark blue of Everton next season.
- ‘Grealish will probably happen’, Former chief plays down Everton moves for Ake and Stones
- Everton defensive woes continue as stat emerges
- ‘We are still fighting’, Beto urges Everton to win final two games after Palace draw
- ‘It’s drifting away’, David Moyes admits European dream fading after Palace draw
- Oliver Glasner rips into uninspiring Everton
