Jack Grealish set to snub Manchester City lifeline for Premier League transfer | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca and Manchester City may have already received a verdict from Jack Grealish as to the Englishman’s preferred career direction thsi summer.

Following the historic conclusion of the Pep Guardiola era, incoming head coach Enzo Maresca and Sporting Director Hugo Viana are believed to have began working on their squad plans for the forthcoming season – in the way of sales, loans, and signings.

While City wrapped up the most-recent campaign by securing a domestic cup double, trimming down fringe assets has become a priority before the re-opening of the summer transfer window and pursuits of big-money targets.

Jack Grealish’s position has grown complicated over the past 24 months due to competition out wide from the likes of Jérémy Doku, and despite playing a key role in the historic Treble success of 2023, the former Aston Villa captain has found regular opportunities difficult to come by.

But having somewhat found his best form again at Everton under David Moyes during a season-long loan spell, there is a hope from Merseyside that the Englishman could commit his future to their club beyond just a temporary stay.

Grealish targets permanent Man City exit

Now, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Jack Grealish remains ‘keen’ on a permanent move to Everton this summer despite the incoming managerial change at Manchester City and the appointment of Enzo Maresca at the club.

The Italian head coach is reportedly wanting to sit down for talks with the 30-year-old once he officially takes the position at the Etihad Stadium, and is prepared to hand him a lifeline at the club.

But while Grealish has ‘every intention of entertaining the Italian’s suggestions’, his preference is still to move away from Manchester City due to concerns regarding his game time.

Everton’s requirements to sign Grealish

Jack Grealish’s preference for a fresh start on Merseyside sets up a negotiation for Hugo Viana, who must balance the player’s personal wishes against the club’s desire to command a respectable financial return.

Everton’s pursuit signals their intent to add elite top-flight pedigree to their frontline ahead of their second full campaign at the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The final framework of a potential deal will likely move over the coming weeks, as all parties are eager to avoid a drawn-out summer transfer saga that could stall alternative recruitment missions and leave Grealish short of options late in August.

Grealish could yet report briefly to the City Football Academy for pre-season training in July if a deal has not been finalised, though his representatives will likely be pushing for a clean break before the squad boards their flight for the pre-season tour of Asia.