There has been plenty of conversation centered on Manchester City star Jack Grealish, with Everton favored to bring him in on loan as his place in the City side is uncertain.
But now The Athletic is reporting that the discussion over the move has truly begun, with the Toffees interested in a season-long loan for the England international.
Having just brought in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to join the attack, it appears that David Moyes is looking for even more options to support Iliman Ndiaye, Charly Alcaraz, and strikers Beto and Thierno Barry.
One potential sticking point with the deal is that Manchester City are expected to only allow a loan move that sees the team taking Grealish on covering 100% of his wages, a factor that is not an insignificant element. According to Spotrac, that's roughly £11.6 million for a season.
There have been plenty of questions about how Grealish fits into Moyes' squad, one that will not evaporate with the signing of Dewsbury-Hall, as the presence of the newly inked Englishman and the presence of Ndiaye means that both of Grealish's preferred positions could be covered.
It's possible that Ndiaye could play on the right, but that feels like more square pegs in round holes, even though he does operate there for Senegal.
In that case, a front four of Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, and Ndiaye with Beto or Barry up top certainly feels like a formidable unit. But there is plenty to do before Grealish is confirmed as a new member of Everton's squad.
For one, it will take City giving in on their desire for Everton to take on the whole of Grealish's salary, something they'll be more likely to do as the summer window winds down. That just means this move won't imminent and could be one that lingers until the end of the window.
The important thing is that Everton don't let this potential opportunity mar the rest of the window, and should progress as if Grealish will not come. And if he does, it will be icing on the cake for whatever else they get done this summer.