Everton sign Grealish as Zirkzee stays at Man Utd

Everton have signed Jack Grealish on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City but have missed out on Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee.

Grealish spent the 2025-26 season on loan with Everton, making 20 appearances, before sustaining a season-ending foot injury in January.

The 30-year-old had been linked with other teams - including boyhood club Aston Villa - but has opted to reunite with David Moyes on Merseyside.

"I think I'm at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That's what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me," Grealish said.

"Every time I see an Everton fan, it's just pure love and the way they've welcomed me since that first game against Leeds, I'll never forget that."

Grealish, who joined City from Villa for £100m in August 2021, scored twice and provided six assists in 20 appearances during his previous spell with Everton - winning the Premier League Player of the Month for August.

The England international returned from injury during Manchester City's Community Shield defeat against Arsenal on 16 August.

He also featured under Enzo Maresca in City's opening game of the 2026-27 Premier League season as they beat Bournemouth 2-1.

Everton were also looking to complete a deal for Netherlands striker Zirkzee on transfer deadline day, but he is set to stay at Old Trafford.

Zirkzee, 25, emerged as a late target after Guinea-Bissau frontman Beto completed a permanent move to Serie A club Fiorentina.

The Toffees initially set their sights on striker Tammy Abraham but he opted to stay put at Aston Villa.

Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has also been a top target to provide extra firepower and a deal of £40m was agreed between the two clubs.

There was an issue with the USA international's medical on deadline day but Everton are still hopeful of adding the 25-year-old to their ranks before the 23:00 BST deadline.

Everton have also agreed a £3m deal to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from French side Lyon.

The 29-year-old former Arsenal player has won five caps for England and can operate as a full-back or in midfield.

Meanwhile, Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson has completed a permanent move to Serie A club Torino.

Patterson, 24, joined Everton from Rangers in January 2022 and made 68 appearances across all competitions.