Grealish buzzing to be back at Everton as club work on further deadline day deals

Jack Grealish says he feels “ready to go” after returning to Everton on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season.

The 30-year-old forward has re-joined the Toffees after enjoying an impressive loan spell at the club last season.

Grealish made 20 Premier League appearances during his first spell on Merseyside, scoring twice and providing six assists, and was named Premier League Player of the Month for August.

However, a foot injury suffered in February brought his campaign to an early end.

Now back fit, Grealish has returned to David Moyes’ squad and says the relationship he has built with the club was a major factor in his decision to come back.

“It feels so good. I’m so happy,” Grealish said.

“I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That’s what the manager has given me, what my team-mates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.

“Every time I see an Everton fan, it’s just pure love and the way they’ve welcomed me since that first game against Leeds, I’ll never forget that. It means a lot to me and hopefully I’ve made a few Everton fans happy.

“I had a perfect time here for the first six months, then I stayed around after I got injured. I’ve been watching all the Everton games in pre-season and since the season started.

“Now I feel ready to go. I’m ready to start training tomorrow and prepare for the games.”

The former Aston Villa forward says his relationship with Moyes was another significant reason behind his decision to return.

“I love him, the manager. I think he’s such a great guy,” Grealish said.

“He was a big reason why I wanted to come back here as well.

“I’ve had certain managers in the past where I feel I’ve played my best football under them – and he falls into that category, for sure.

“I had such a good connection with him – and the players here. I’m ready to play wherever the manager wants me and help as much as I can.”

Everton are also continuing to work on a deal for striker Folarin Balogun, though the move is currently in doubt, but are more confident of signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon.

Their offer for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been rejected, however.