Jack Grealish faces uncertain Manchester City future before deadline
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has returned to first-team action but faces an uncertain future at Etihad Stadium ahead of the impending transfer deadline.
The 30-year-old is entering the final year of a lucrative contract and was previously discarded during Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge.
The former Aston Villa captain spent the first half of last term on loan at Everton before an Achilles tendon injury curtailed his spell on Merseyside.
However, the England international has since regained full fitness and featured as a substitute in both of City’s opening fixtures this season.
Maresca keeps transfer options open
Grealish played the final eight minutes of Sunday’s late Premier League victory over Bournemouth, having also appeared in the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal.
The creative playmaker appeared in high spirits on the bench and subsequently used social media to thank supporters for a warm welcome on his home return.
Despite finding a new lease of life under Guardiola’s managerial successor Enzo Maresca, club sources indicate all avenues remain open ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
“He is here and it is my duty to coach Jack and to try to get the best.”
Maresca addressed the media following the weekend victory, confirming that player departures are still possible.
“Then it is one more week to go and we will see what happens. Not only with Jack but also other players.”
Everton maintain interest in winger
The attacker had impressed during his temporary stint with the Toffees, registering two goals and six assists across 20 appearances.
His early-season form even earned him the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for August before injury struck in January.
While no concrete offers have materialised this summer, a return to Everton is currently viewed as the most viable destination should a transfer occur.
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed that the club are yet to make a formal approach but remain closely connected to the player.
“He is a player we have remained in contact with,” Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside.
“It was no secret he decided to have his injury rehabilitation done here for the remainder of last season – he didn’t have to do that as he could have gone back to Manchester City.”