Manchester City have slapped a £10 million price-tag on Jack Rodwell.
The Daily Star Sunday says Everton were keen to re-sign the England midfielder.
But any hopes of bringing Rodwell back to Goodison on loan have been hit by City insisting that he will only be allowed to leave for £10million.
City need to balance the books after falling foul of Financial Fair Play rules.
Rodwell moved from Everton to The Etihad for £16m two years ago.
City's stance is also a blow to new West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine, who worked with Rodwell at Everton.
