Everton are growing in confidence that Jack Grealish will be back with the club next season, Daily Mail Sport can reveal.
Officials at Hill Dickinson Stadium are keen to retain the services of the on-loan Manchester City playmaker, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Grealish had been a revelation following his loan move, until injury cruelly ended his season in January.
He has remained on Merseyside for a long period of rehabilitation after suffering a stress fracture to his foot – something those at the club believe to be a hugely positive sign.
The 30-year-old’s £300,000-a-week wages could prove to be a stumbling block, although Everton managed to shell out around £12m to borrow him for a year and the club’s financial position has improved significantly since their move to their impressive new stadium.
An option to buy at £50m is thought to feature in the agreement, although Toffees bosses may well feel something in the region of £20m would be more in keeping for a player with 12 months left on their deal.
Manager David Moyes is thought to be keen to keep the attacking midfielder, who proved to be an instant hit with supporters.
In his time in a blue shirt, he scored twice and provided six assists in 22 appearances and was a key part of what has so far been a much improved season which could end in European qualification.
Grealish was also popular in the dressing room and has impressed off the field, via his work with the club’s community arm.