Sunderland have launched an audacious attempt to sign England international Jack Grealish from Manchester City.
The North East club will face stiff competition from Everton for the 30-year-old, who has been told he can leave, either on loan or a permanent transfer, before the transfer window closes.
Sunderland, who have qualified for this season’s Europa League, have had a quiet window compared to last summer when they overhauled their first-team squad following promotion to the Premier League.
But they are looking to finish with a flourish, and there is some confidence that they can reach an agreement with both City and the player. It is understood both a loan or a permanent deal are on the table, but it will depend on encouragement from the player’s side.
Sunderland would be willing to pay a percentage of Grealish’s wages if he moves to the Stadium of Light on loan, with City covering the rest. They would also be open to paying a loan fee. Everton have discussed a similar package with City. Sunderland might be able to move ahead in the pursuit if they are willing to offer better terms.
Sunderland’s move is ambitious given Grealish’s profile and the fact many had expected him to return to Everton this season.
The former Aston Villa captain spent last season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on loan only to suffer a season-ending stress fracture in his foot in January.
Everton have been trying to thrash out a deal with City for weeks having failed to take up a £50m purchase option at the end of his initial loan.
Grealish, who has one year left on his contract at the Etihad, has come on as a substitute in both City’s games so far this season.
But despite his good relationship with manager Enzo Maresca, it has always been made clear that Grealish would be allowed to leave if a suitable offer came in.
Sunderland’s move for Grealish is in conjunction with another exciting bid for Marseille winger Igor Paixão.