Former Everton captain Alan Stubbs has explained how he tried to persuade Manchester City’s Jack Grealish to join the Blues while on holiday

Jack Grealish signs autographs during a training session open to the public advertised as the ‘City are Back’ event at Joie Stadium on August 5, 2025(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Alan Stubbs has revealed that he tried to persuade Jack Grealish to join Everton while on holiday this summer. The Blues have been linked with a potential move for Manchester City’s out-of-favour £100million star for several weeks, although any deal would be made difficult by the player’s £300,000-a-week wages.

The ECHO understands that while there are concerns among Hill Dickinson Stadium chiefs as to why the England international has slipped down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola, he remains a player of interest for David Moyes.

The Everton boss described Grealish as the best player in the Premier League when he moved to the Etihad Stadium in 2021. However, it might be a case of the Blues having to take care of their other transfer priorities in this window before turning to the Brummie.

“He’d be an idol at Everton, the fans would really take to him.”

The Kirkby-born former defender’s revelation reiterates points he made to the ECHO for an interview back in June.

On that occasion, Stubbs said: “I think it tells you the type of players that Everton are trying to bring to the club, which is great.

“Are Everton going to be paying 300 grand a week on Jack’s wages? I certainly don’t think so.

“If a deal is going to happen, I think it will be one where Everton pay x and Manchester City pay y. Listen, I’d love to see Jack Grealish at Everton, I think he’s the quality that we’re looking for.

“If you look at him in a number 10 role, what he can bring compared to what we’ve already got, it’s a significant upgrade. I think Jack Grealish needs loving again, I think he needs to go to a club where the fans are going to adore him, and would certainly be the case at Everton.