Everton are willing to pay between £5 million and £10 million to sign Jack Grealish permanently this summer, according to .
The figure is understood to reflect David Moyes’ preference to spend money on proven quality without approaching the £50m option price Manchester City set in Grealish’s loan deal last season.
The reported ceiling marks a reduction from previous suggestions that the two clubs could agree in the region of £15-20 million, figures that were circulated as recently as last week.
Everton remain interested in bringing the 30-year-old back to Merseyside after a loan spell that saw him score eight goals in 20 Premier League appearances before a stress fracture ended his season in January.
Grealish has continued his rehabilitation at Finch Farm this summer despite his loan having technically expired, and he is reportedly willing to take a significant cut in his salary at City to secure a permanent move.
City, under new manager Enzo Maresca, are reportedly still open to a sale, with the striker considered surplus to requirements in the club’s rebuilding plans.
Everton have made no secret of their financial difficulties this summer. Moyes said last month that finance “will play a big role” in the club’s business, while stressing that Jack Grealish remains “incredibly loved both inside and outside the building”.
Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to continue until the end of the period, with the gap between Everton’s valuation and City’s initial £50m figure still remaining the main obstacle to completing the deal.