Unai Emery watches on from the dugout before an Aston Villa game
Unai Emery watches on from the dugout before an Aston Villa game
Kate McShane/Getty Images
Everton‘s hopes of re-signing Manchester City star Jack Grealish could face a complication, with Aston Villa potentially entering the picture as a return to Villa Park this summer ‘cannot be ruled out’ for the winger.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a promising spell at the Hill Dickinson last season until a foot injury derailed his campaign in January and brought his season to a premature end.
Grealish returned to the Etihad following the conclusion of the season after the Toffees opted against triggering their £50m option to buy the winger.
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However, David Moyes’ side remain intent on extending their association with Grealish, having held talks with Manchester City as they seek to find a solution.
There have been hints that the England international also favours a return to the Hill Dickinson, having expressed his desire to do so back in April.
There has been interest from elsewhere, with Al-Hilal also testing the waters for Grealish, but the winger has put that option on ‘hold’ as he ‘would like to stay’ in the Premier League.
Now, according to Italian journalist Armando Areniello, the prospect of Grealish returning to Aston Villa this summer ‘cannot be ruled out’.
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Grealish rose through the Villans’ academy before becoming an integral figure at Villa Park, where his performances raised his stock and ultimately paved the way for his big-money move to Manchester City in 2021.
With Grealish now entering the final year of his contract, Aston Villa could secure his services for a considerably reduced fee should they decide to make a move.
Whether Aston Villa are genuinely interested in Grealish is unclear, with the attacker having failed to replicate his earlier form in recent campaigns.
Manchester City would be keen to offload Grealish should the right price arrive, with the winger left out of their pre-season tour and not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Meanwhile, Everton have already bolstered their wide options by retaining Tyrique George and bringing in Brennan Johnson as part of a swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Crystal Palace.
Unai Emery’s side have also strengthened their left flank with the loan acquisition of Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea.