'Major Coup' - King backs Everton for exciting double deal for bargain £30m fee

Everton could complete the signing of both Jack Grealish and John Stones from Manchester City in the summer, according to former scout Bryan King.

The Toffees are on the hunt for European qualification this campaign and could find themselves in the Europa League or Conference League last season.

With a draw away to Brentford, the race is still wide open and is causing uncertainty surrounding the upcoming transfer window.

A place on the continent would require a squad overhaul at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with various names already linked to L3.

Grealish could return to Everton permanently and may be joined by Man City teammate Stones on Merseyside next season.

Everton could sign both Jack Grealish and John Stones permanently

The attacking midfielder joined the Blues in the summer and became an instant fan favourite before picking up a season-ending injury.

It has been a similarly frustrating campaign for his fellow countryman at the Etihad, as fitness issues have hampered his progress.

The defender is coming towards the end of his current deal under Pep Guardiola and could soon be on the move.

Former Everton scout King has suggested that the centre-back could return to Merseyside alongside a permanent deal for Grealish.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, King said: “I think they did well to get Jack Grealish on loan, and they’ll have to make a decision about signing him.

“I think that will be a priority to secure him and bring John Stones with him.

“That would be a major coup for Everton. I think he’ll play a part in England’s World Cup squad, he’s got bags of experience and a winning mentality.

“Everton have to secure them first if they want to strengthen their squad.

“Stones is available for free at the end of his contract, so there will be no fee there. Then they can probably get Grealish for about £30m.

“That would be great business for Everton.”

Stones has been linked with Everton in the past, while the attacking midfielder has remained a link throughout his loan spell.

What is Stones’ contract situation at Manchester City?

Grealish could move back to Hill Dickinson Stadium, but will come as part of an expensive deal by Everton’s standards.

By comparison, David Moyes could bring in former Everton defender Stones back to Merseyside with no fee involved.

The England international is out of contract at Man City in the summer as his five-year deal at the Etihad comes towards an end.

As part of that, he is paid a reported £250,000 per week and a yearly salary in the region of £13m.

That is a sizable amount and would likely be out of the Toffees’ price range, but if he takes a wage cut, he may prove to be a top addition in L3.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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