Everton have secured the return of Jack Grealish on a temporary basis from Manchester City for the duration of the campaign, though the club was unable to finalize an agreement for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.

Grealish previously spent the preceding season on loan with the Merseyside outfit, stepping onto the pitch twenty times before a foot injury brought his campaign to a premature close in January. Despite drawing interest from several other suitors, including his boyhood club Aston Villa, the 30-year-old decided to continue his career under the guidance of manager David Moyes.

Speaking about his decision, the England international emphasized the strong personal connection he feels with the club's supporters and coaching staff. During his initial stint with the Toffees, which followed a £100m transfer from Villa to City in 2021, the midfielder netted two goals and contributed six assists, earning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.

Everton attempted to bolster their attacking options further on transfer deadline day by pursuing Zirkzee, but the 25-year-old Dutchman remains at Old Trafford. The search for forward reinforcements intensified after Beto departed for Serie A side Fiorentina on a permanent transfer. The club also explored a move for Tammy Abraham before he chose to remain with Aston Villa.

In addition to the missed pursuit of Zirkzee, Everton reached a £40m agreement with Monaco regarding striker Folarin Balogun. Although complications arose during the 25-year-old American international's medical examination, the club maintained optimism about finalizing the transfer ahead of the late-night deadline.

Further movement at Goodison Park saw an agreement struck for the acquisition of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from French club Lyon for a fee of £3m. The 29-year-old utility player, capped five times by England, offers versatility across the midfield and full-back positions.

Concurrently, defensive depth was adjusted as Scotland international Nathan Patterson departed for Italy. The 24-year-old right-back finalized a permanent transfer to Torino after making 68 appearances in all competitions following his arrival from Rangers in early 2022.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.