Jack Grealish and Dean Smith
Jack Grealish and Dean Smith
Dean Smith is currently the Charlotte manager and wants to explore a reunion after the pair previously struck up a strong bond at Aston Villa.
Grealish's wages will be the big issue for Charlotte, but he could be a 'wildcard' pick for the franchise established in 2019.
MLS rules permit clubs to acquire up to three Designated Players who earn an annual salary above the league threshold of $683,750 (£516,207).
Charlotte have three DPs on their roster as it stands, but could free up space to include Grealish in their plans for 2027.
He has struggled on and off the pitch at Everton this season and may be interested in a new challenge abroad away from media scrutiny.
Jack Grealish could reunite with Dean Smith at Charlotte FC
Grealish impressed on loan with the Toffees last season and David Moyes sanctioned a late window deal to re-sign him from Man City in the summer.
His second spell on Merseyside has not gone to plan at all so far, after being dropped for several recent games after a breach of club protocol saw him miss training unauthorised.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Grealish has no future at parent club City, with his contract set to expire in June 2027.
Former Villa manager Smith has been in charge of Charlotte since December 2023, and they are set to finish in the top five of the MLS Eastern Conference for the third campaign in a row under his guidance.
He has maintained a close relationship with ex-Villa Park favourite Grealish, and would like to add him to his squad to boost Charlotte towards MLS Cup glory in 2027.
What has Smith said about Grealish in the past?
Grealish enjoyed the best form of his career under Smith with his boyhood club, registering 23 goals and 27 assists in their 90 games together between 2018 and 2021.
Smith recently sang the 31-year-old's praises in an interview with the Birmingham Mail, and admitted that they remain in contact despite living well apart.
He said: "I couldn't be prouder to see what he's gone on and done. People still criticise and ask did we lose him a little bit as a player at Man City? But look at what he did there, look at the trophies he won there. I can only be proud of him as a lad. He's from a wonderful family, and he's such a family kid. I suppose my only disappointment for him was the reception he got when he came back to Villa.
"I still believe there should be a statue of him outside the academy building as somebody who came through as an Aston Villa fan and got sold for £100 million to help the club get to where they are now. What a really good human being he is first and foremost. My relationship with Jack still goes on."