Abdulhafiz TeslimEverton will not be able to seal moves for all three of Jack Grealish, John Stones and Ben White this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The trio would all require a significant financial commitment from the Toffees, who are not capable of accommodating the wages and costs associated with all three players within their squad for next season.
A move for Grealish is understood to be the most likely of the three deals at this stage, with sources indicating that Everton are keen to negotiate a loan move for the Manchester City star.
There is also believed to be a willingness from Grealish and his representatives to consider the switch, while Manchester City see little long-term future for him at the Etihad Stadium.
Everton want to be ambitious in the market once again this summer, but Grealish remains their most realistic statement signing at the moment.
John Stones and Ben White deals remain difficult
Stones’ uncertain future has already seen him linked with a number of clubs, while a return to Everton has also been suggested as a possibility.
The 31-year-old is expected to seek a substantial financial package if he leaves Manchester City, and interest from clubs across Europe could make it difficult for Everton to compete for his signature.
White is also viewed as a difficult deal to complete, with Arsenal likely to demand a significant fee for the England international, who still has time remaining on his contract.
The defender has faced competition for regular minutes at the Emirates Stadium, but remains a valued member of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Everton’s interest in both defenders is genuine, but a number of factors would need to align before either player could join David Moyes’ side ahead of next season.
Toffees set for familiar transfer priority
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that Everton’s priority is to add more attacking quality, just as they attempted to do last summer.
Brown, who worked closely with Moyes during his time at West Ham, believes the Scottish manager is still not fully satisfied with his attacking options.
Grealish has been identified as the priority target to help address that issue, but Everton are also hoping to strengthen further in forward areas.
Both Beto and Thierno Barry have struggled for consistency in front of goal at various stages, and the club are understood to be targeting a new striker as well.
Brown added that a move for Grealish, whether on loan or permanently, “makes sense for all parties,” and Everton are determined to explore every avenue to make the deal happen.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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