Manchester City star Jack Grealish is set to depart the Etihad Stadium this summer after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola and Premier League sides are interested
Everton are monitoring Jack Grealish's situation at Manchester City as the midfielder prepares to exit the Etihad Stadium, according to reports. The Toffees are interested in bringing Grealish to Merseyside, though no talks have taken place over a move thus far.
The 29-year-old England international is set to be left out of the City Club World squad to travel to the United States. Grealish has won the Premier League three times with City but has seen his influence wane over the last two seasons.
The former Aston Villa talisman started just seven times in the Premier League in 24/25 and was an unused substitute 12 times in the competition. The club are said to be willing to accept an offer of £40million for their record signing, taking a £60m hit.
However, Grealish's salary could prove problematic to any deal. The star's £300,000-a-week pay packet will pose issues for any side interested in securing his signature and requiring to comply with profit and sustainability rules.
Any potential move looks more likely to be a loan deal if Everton are to get a shock deal over the line. Newcastle have also been linked with making a move, while Bayern Munich have been touted with a potential deal if Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman depart.
Grealish has been told by England boss Thomas Tuchel that he must earn time on the pitch if he hopes to make the World Cup squad in 12 months time. The German coach said: “I love Jack for his personality and of course his talent. He is a very unique player who can handle big pressure on the field.
"He is never shy of pressure. It’s the opposite. He grows in big matches but he’s a player who needs minutes and minutes and minutes and simply does not get them for a very long time. That’s basically everything. Nothing has changed.
"I have maybe the same information as you that City are thinking of not taking him to the Club World Cup. So he needs to make himself available by playing. I think it’s one of his key strengths.
"To go every three days and get better and better with every minute that he has in his legs. That’s what is missing, nothing else. I have spoken to him after the first international camp and very shortly after the FA Cup final but not since then.”
Pep Guardiola agrees with the England boss' assessment. He said: “Of course, Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it, with us or another place.
“It’s a question for Jack, his agent and the club. If he stays it will be fine and he will fight like he fought from day one to make a contribution, but not today.”
Guardiola added: “It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season."