'Never fall in love with a loan player'
· Yahoo Sports
Several questions have been sent in via our Everton 'Ask Me Anything form' about Jack Grealish's injury affecting the 30-year-old's chance of becoming a permanent player for the Toffees.
The saying "never fall in love with a loan player" has been fully ignored in the case of Jack Grealish and Everton.
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The news his season was over was met with despair from the Toffees faithful, and it hasn't just been the England star's talent that has led to him becoming a favourite.
Yes, his quality is undeniable and despite the fact he hasn't played in the last five Premier League game weeks, he remains behind only Bruno Fernandes, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland for the most assists.
However, it was Grealish's ability to understand Everton as a club and his 'never say die' attitude that immediately melted even the most sceptical hearts.
With foot surgery completed on the 30-year-old's stress fracture, the length of recovery time needed means it is unlikely he will be seen in a royal blue shirt again this season, so the question I'm asked a lot is if the loan deal will become permanent.
There is no doubt the Manchester City man has done well and impressed David Moyes, but his age and lack of resale value means there is a lot to weigh up for Everton.
The Merseyside club are also covering the majority of his wages, so to have him unavailable for the rest of the campaign when there's a possibility of finishing in a European place is an even bigger blow. However, Grealish loves Everton, and the manager, so that could be key in any summer decision.
No fee was set for a permanent deal in the loan agreement. Therefore, it may come down to how much City would want for a player entering the final year of a contract on significant wages but doesn't fit into Pep Guardiola's plans.
Grealish knows he would be adored again and be a star man, so the lure of becoming an Everton hero could be impossible for him to resist.
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