Duncan Ferguson looking towards a circular frame inset of Jack Grealish, who is warming up for Everton
Duncan Ferguson looking towards a circular frame inset of Jack Grealish, who is warming up for Everton
Grealish has missed Everton's past four matches, three of those since it was confirmed he had breached club discipline.
The England international missed a training session without a valid reason, which David Moyes did not take kindly to.
Moyes has since said Grealish will be considered for selection again when Everton return to Premier League action at Brentford on 23 November.
Grealish was involved in an Everton friendly against Derby County on Thursday as he attempts to rebuild his fitness.
But that does not mean the winger's future at Hill Dickinson Stadium is certain ahead of the January transfer window.
Could Everton already have Jack Grealish replacement?
It is perhaps no coincidence that rumours - and it must be stressed it is purely rumours - of an early exit for Grealish have coincided with transfer speculation regarding Kevin De Bruyne.
It was reported in Italy earlier this week that Everton are interested in signing De Bruyne from Serie A side Napoli.
Not only that, it was claimed Everton have already reached out with the Belgian playmaker's camp to discuss a move.
This was put to Ferguson on Thursday's The Overlap Daily and appeared to catch the Everton great off guard.
He initially repeated De Bruyne's name, as if to make sure he heard rightly, before saying: "He's been an incredible player, hasn't he?
"One of the best to have played in the Premier League. But I wouldn't see him at Everton.
"It's not a David Moyes signing - maybe someone else is [pushing to sign him]?"
However, Ferguson did then go on to mention the uncertainty regarding Grealish and how De Bruyne would bring some creativity, even if they do not play in the same position.
Ferguson added: "He's a wonderful player, but does he still have the legs for a Moyes team? He's quality and one of the best ever. I'd like him at Everton. A flair player.
"[Moyes] had a problem with Jack Grealish, so maybe he'll go back to Man City and bring in De Bruyne in January to bring in some flair. That'd make up for Jack not being there."
Grealish's return to action for Everton, albeit in a friendly, does hopefully point towards a return to the senior fold.
What message did Grealish send Everton fans after friendly?
Grealish will certainly hope to have drawn a line under the whole saga
After playing a part in Thursday's win over Derby, the 31-year-old posted a personal message to Everton supporters.
"Nice to be back out there with the boys today after a few good days training," he wrote on Instagram.
"I want to apologise to the fans and everyone at the club for not being able to help the team the last few weeks.
"I love playing for this club and can't wait to be back playing in front of you guys in an Everton shirt. See you all soon."
You would imagine that apology extended to Moyes behind closed doors, too, and it is the Scotsman who will ultimately decide Grealish's fate.
And who knows? Maybe it will be that Grealish and De Bruyne operate in the same Everton side come January.