Everton have made an approach to sign Como winger Assane Diao as an alternative to Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, according to reports.
Grealish spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, making 20 Premier League appearances and contributing two goals and six assists.
Toffees CEO Angus Kinnear has confirmed that discussions have been held over bringing the winger back to Merseyside on a more permanent basis this summer.
Kinnear said: “Jack is a player we’ve remained in contact with. It was no secret that he decided to have his rehabilitation done here for the remainder of last season when he didn’t have to do that.”
He added: “He’s a player who’s fallen in love with the right shade of blue but ultimately he’s a Manchester City player at the moment and we need to respect that.”
Kinnear further stated: “The most important thing is he’s back. He had a very serious injury, he’s worked really hard to get back from that.”
With David Moyes’ side no closer to securing a deal for Grealish, Everton have now turned their attention to 20-year-old Diao as a potential alternative.
The Senegalese winger is capable of operating on both flanks and has registered ten goals and two assists in 35 matches for the Italian club since joining in the summer of 2024.
Como scout Ben Mattinson is among those impressed by Diao’s abilities, describing him as “two-footed, pacey runner, pnp, instincts, composed finishing and good ball-striking foundations.”
Mattinson enthusiastically added: “What’s not to love?” when discussing the young forward’s overall profile and potential impact at a higher level.
Before moving to Italy, Diao made his mark in Spain, becoming Real Betis’ youngest-ever goalscorer and accumulating six goals and three assists across 47 appearances for the La Liga club.
A TEAMtalk report has revealed that Everton have made contact to sign Diao, who is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Como are open to selling the winger but are expected to hold out for a significant fee, with the Italian club planning to listen to offers in the region of £50m to £60m.
One potential concern surrounding Diao is his injury record, as the youngster suffered multiple setbacks last season, including two separate hamstring problems and a foot injury that collectively saw him miss 39 matches.
Unless Everton sell Iliman Ndiaye, signing both Diao and Grealish this summer appears difficult, leaving the club with a significant decision over which direction their transfer strategy takes.