The latest Manchester City transfer news amid speculation on £100m England playmaker Jack Grealish
Kevin De Bruyne with Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish (right) and former Man City teammate Kevin De Bruyne could reunite at Napoli
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Kevin De Bruyne has been asked by Napoli for information on ex-Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish, it has been claimed, amid speculation around the England playmaker's future.
Grealish is widely tipped for an Etihad Stadium exit this summer, weeks after De Bruyne left City himself as a free agent, eventually signing for Napoli. And now, according to fresh reports, De Bruyne has been quizzed by Antonio Conte about what former Aston Villa captain Grealish could, potentially, offer the Serie A champions.
The Mirror indicate De Bruyne - who needs no introduction for his achievements over a decade at City - has given his new club a "thumbs up" when it comes to their mooted pursuit for Grealish. The latter's £300,000-a-week wage is thought to be a possible stumbling block, though.
City, who paid £100 million for Grealish four years ago, are claimed to be demanding £40m for him.
According to the same article, Napoli are prepared to pay around £200,000-a-week for the 39-cap England player, meaning a loan agreement is more feasible, as things stand. Grealish is currently away from the first-team after the call was made by City to omit the 29-year-old from their FIFA Club World Cup squad.
The stance on a proposed exit for Grealish is, meanwhile, pretty clear.
At the end of the current season, Pep Guardiola admitted that Grealish needed to find himself more game-time, whether that be at City or not. "Of course, Jack has to play," the Catalan head coach told the assembled media at Fulham's Craven Cottage on the final day.
"That's the truth. Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days.
"And it didn't happen this season, or last season, either. He needs to do it, with us, or another place.
"But that's a question for Jack, his agent, and the club. If he stays, we'll be fine, and he'll fight like he fought since day one to make a contribution."
Initial links between Napoli and Grealish were previously flagged up by The Sun this month.
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