Man City blocked Jack Rodwell's Everton return

Everton had reportedly failed to land the services for former midfielder Jack Rodwell on a temporary basis during the winter transfer window.

The talented 22-year made his move to Manchester City from the Merseyside in 2012 for a fee of £12m, but injuries have dented his chances of featuring regularly and has been limited to just 22 appearances for the club since then.

The Sun claims that the Citizens boss Manuel Pellegrini cancelled the loan deal after the club failed to land Porto midfielder Fernando before the transfer deadline on Friday.

It is also understood that Rodwell's move to the Toffees, would have made Gareth Barry seal a permanent transfer, in order to satisfy with the Premier League rules which permits each club to have a maximum of two loanees in its squad.