Jack Grealish's future is developing into one of the more intriguing transfer stories of the final days of the window
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Everton and Aston Villa are in contact with Jack Grealish’s camp as the Manchester City winger considers his future, while adding that there is currently “nothing concrete ongoing” with Sunderland.
That update follows David Ornstein’s report on Wednesday that Sunderland had made an approach to Manchester City over a season-long loan for the 30-year-old. Sources subsequently confirmed to The Echo that Ornstein’s original information was accurate and that the Black Cats had made an attempt to bring Grealish to Wearside.
What Romano's Sunderland update could mean
The Echo’s reading of Romano’s update is that nothing concrete is currently taking place between Sunderland and Grealish’s representatives. That does not necessarily contradict the information that Sunderland have made an approach at club level to Manchester City.
There was always going to be serious competition for Grealish if a route away from the Etihad emerged. Everton remain interested after taking him on loan last season, while talkSPORT also now reports that Aston Villa would also like to bring their former captain back to Villa Park.
Aston Villa face loan complication
There is, though, a significant complication with the Villa angle. Premier League rules allow clubs to have a maximum of two temporary transfers from other English clubs registered at any one time.
Villa already have Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan from West Ham, meaning they cannot simply add Grealish as a third domestic loan under the current arrangements.
A permanent deal would be a different matter, while Villa would need their existing loan situation to change if they wanted to pursue Grealish on another temporary transfer.
Manchester City sources reportedly deny Sunderland bid
There is another wrinkle in what is becoming an increasingly interesting transfer saga. TalkSPORT says Manchester City sources have denied receiving an approach from Sunderland, despite senior sources at Sunderland confirming Ornstein’s original story to The Echo on Wednesday.
Sky Sports and iNews also separately reported that Sunderland are exploring a move for Grealish, while noting Everton's continued interest, adding further weight to the suggestion that the Black Cats have been examining whether a deal can be done.
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Romano says Grealish is keeping his options open and is expected to decide his future in the coming days. From Sunderland’s point of view, this was never likely to be a straightforward deal given the calibre of player involved, his wages and the inevitable competition for his signature.
Paixão pursuit continues at the same time
At the same time, Sunderland are continuing negotiations for Marseille winger Igor Paixão. The Black Cats have made an offer for the Brazilian and have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms, with the two pursuits running alongside one another as Florent Ghisolfi looks to strengthen Régis Le Bris’ attacking options before the deadline.
As things stand, there are clearly competing versions of exactly how far Sunderland’s Grealish pursuit has progressed. What is not in doubt from The Echo’s information is that Sunderland have explored the possibility of signing him, while the coming days should offer a much clearer indication of whether that ambitious interest can develop into something more concrete.
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Fabrizio Romano drops Jack Grealish to Sunderland update amid Everton and Aston Villa interest
Fabrizio Romano drops Jack Grealish to Sunderland update amid Everton and Aston Villa interest