Jack Grealish has made it clear he means business ahead of the crucial season for the former Everton loanee
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish is closing in on a return to fitness(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
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The door has been left open for Everton to re-sign Jack Grealish after he was left out of Manchester City's pre-season tour. The former Aston Villa playmaker's loan spell with the Blues was cruelly cut short in January after he suffered a fractured foot.
Despite returning to training, Grealish has been left out of City's 28-man squad for the pre-season tour of Asia. The official reason given is that he is still recovering from the injury.
It could also be seen as a sign that he is not part of new manager Enzo Maresca's plans. He had already fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola, hence why he was allowed to join Everton last August.
Grealish, who turns 31 in September, wants and needs to be playing first-team football and it's hard to see that being achieved at City. Judging by his social media activity, he looks ready and motivated to kickstart his career.
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Last week, he shared a picture of himself training at City and wrote: "Nice to see everyone, am nearly there! Hopefully not long now till back training for good."
This week, his Instagram story featured a picture of his feet, a ball, the temperature (31 degrees) and a caption that simply read: "Working."
The fact that he remains in the UK would make it easier for Everton to get a deal - plus the necessary steps, like a medical - over the line in good time before the start of the season. A return to the Toffees would be logical given the care he received at Finch Farm after his injury.
Jack Grealish's update from pre-season training
Grealish has provided an update from pre-season training(Image: jackgrealish/Instagram)
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David Moyes made his feelings clear at the end of last season, saying: "Obviously we like Jack a lot. We've looked after Jack all the time since his injury.
"It's looking in good order now, the surgeon speaks very well about it and thinks it's healing greatly. Normally, a player would go back to his parent club and be looked after from there, but we will continue doing our best for Jack.
"He is incredibly well liked inside and outside the building but ultimately he is not our player, he is Man City’s player. We've had him on loan for a year and I have to say we've enjoyed having him."
After being unveiled as City boss, Maresca gave lip service to the media about Grealish's status at the Etihad. It doesn't take too much reading between the lines to see he isn't sold on him.
Everton manager David Moyes and Jack Grealish
David Moyes remains a fan of Grealish(Image: Gary Oakley/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
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"At the moment, he's here. He's a Man City player," said the Italian. "I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club. It's my duty to try to coach them.
"Jack is here. I have a good relation with Jack since I left [as a coach under Pep Guardiola]. Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he's a very good guy. So this is the reason why. And then we see what happens."
The "see what happens" line can be interpreted as "he's available for the right price." And that price will be nowhere near the £100million City paid Villa for his services in 2021. With just a year left on his contract, now could be the time for Everton to pounce.
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