Jack Grealish: Everton midfielder has stress fracture in foot – David Moyes

Grealish’s loan move has been regarded as a big success by Moyes, Everton fans and the player himself.

Grealish’s spell on the sidelines now begs the question of whether he will remain at Everton when the season ends.

Everton are almost certain to want to keep Grealish – and all the indications are that he would like to stay, having spoken in the most glowing terms of his close relationship with Moyes, who was integral to the initial deal.

There will be other factors at play, however, such as Grealish’s age, the financial package he would require, plus the fee City would demand.

Everton would not go anywhere near the £50m mentioned for a permanent deal last summer.

Grealish’s injury has now added another complication, as Everton are sure to want to wait to see how recovers from this serious setback.

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman told BBC Sport: “It’s a huge blow. He’s been the marquee signing.

“He’s completely bought into Everton as a club. It’s been a perfect match for him and David Moyes in terms of what was needed.

“There were questions about whether he would suit Everton – whether he would be the right fit – but he has immersed himself in the environment and seems to have loved it.

“He’s been playing with a smile on his face again and he makes Evertonians smile. He’s been outstanding and his attitude has been great.

“I’m not looking forward to the next few weeks without him.

“Jack needed somewhere to play football with the fans behind him, get an opportunity to become the hero again, the main man.

“Everton needed a player to come in with a big character to be creative. And Jack’s character off the field has been just as important as well as his expressions of character on it.”

Osman agrees, though, that there is much to be taken into consideration before any permanent deal is done.

“If there were no financial considerations, it would be a unanimous ‘yes’ from everyone”, he said.

“Everton must ask themselves if, taking cost into consideration, they want to get wrapped up in something long term again that is potentially not financially viable or not in the best interests of the club.

“Any deal would have to leave Everton in a strong position to strengthen elsewhere.

“They couldn’t splash the whole wage bill on him because that they have other positions to look at. They’ve been light at times this season.

“Everton have been burned in the market before and are trying to move past that. They need to strengthen elsewhere but, if the price is right, it’s not even a question.”