Former Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has been linked with a move away from Man City after another tough season at the Etihad Stadium.
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Jack Grealish could leave Man City.
Jack Grealish could leave Man City.(Image: PA)
Jack Grealish's future at Manchester City has been subject to speculation as he struggles for game-time.
The winger has fallen down City's pecking order under Pep Guardiola this season - following a string of under-par performances. Injuries have also played a significant part.
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As a result, the 29-year-old has been offered to Newcastle United in a bid to kickstart his career. The former Aston Villa captain was left out of Thomas Tuchel's first England squad for this month's international break.
Tuchel later admitted the reason for his omission was due to the lack of minutes for City. "I love Jack," he said.
"I love everything about him - his personality, I love his quality, the guy has courage, he can take the heat, he's not affected if the Bernabeu whistles him. So is he a player who can be available and have an impact in our squad? Yes - 100 per cent.
"But lately he simply has no rhythm, and he knows that himself. I think Jack gets better and better the more minutes he plays. He has the character to be the glue in a team and it's easy for youngsters to attach to him."
Here, BirminghamLive has taken a look at the latest news surrounding Grealish;
Grealish 'open' to Newcastle move
The former Villa captain is keen on a move to St James' Park, according to our colleagues at Chronicle Live. It's said that Grealish's camp believe Eddie Howe's management style will help him return to form ahead of the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.
Guardiola fires squad 'warning'
The City boss, however, wants Grealish to fight for his future at the Etihad Stadium. "I want much more. This is the level I would like to see from Jack," he said last month.
"But it has not been like that. Clubs bring new players in every season. I don't have the same squad as when I first arrived nine years ago - or when we won the treble or quadruple or the 100 points. We have four, five, six players, not more than that. It's normal."
Grealish urged to make decision
Chelsea legend John Terry has urged the forward to make a decision on his future. "He needs to look at his options, because Man City have not been great this year and he's still not getting a look-in," Terry told talkSPORT.
"So from his side, I'd be a little bit worried and go; 'I need to get out,' because England means the world to him and I have to say, all eyes are on Jack always, it's difficult, he's a young boy with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. I think it will be good for him to weigh up his options.
"I'm not saying leave City, because they're one of the top teams in the world. But I think he needs to ask questions; 'Am I going to be part of this in the future'? But Jack is an unbelievable talent - and I think he's at his best when he's got the freedom, and I think he needs a manager to give him the license to go and be Jack Grealish."
'A wake-up call after England snub'
Alan Shearer reckons that Grealish has been given a wake-up call after he was left out of the latest England squad. "It's really tricky. First and foremost, he'll want to get back into the Man City squad and only he can determine that," Shearer said.
"I don't know what's happening or not happening in training. You hear one or two bits from Pep Guardiola saying Jack Grealish may not be quite happy with what's happening at City. As a player, when everything is not rosy you have to think, what's best for me and what's best for the team?
"Do I have to get my head down and win my place back or is it that I go elsewhere. Only Grealish will know that. Grealish is at a great football club and he has had huge success but being left out of this England squad will be a wake-up call for him."
Villa return a possibility?
"It's at the stage now where Jack should probably be thinking about leaving the football club," Lee Hendrie told 10bet . "Nobody could deny that the move hasn't been successful; he's won everything there is to win during his time there, but I think for himself, he needs to find his enjoyment in playing again.
"He'd be an asset for any top football club. I would love him at Villa, but would they have the finances to bring him back? It would probably be a complicated deal to complete. It would be brilliant if he came back. I do feel he has to go and leave Man City at the moment to find some enjoyment in his game.
"I remember speaking to him when he signed for City, I was commentating on one of their games, and we had an in-depth chat - and he was saying he's finding it difficult to adapt to new surroundings. I said to him, get on with it and go on and enjoy your football.
"It's your time to go on and win trophies, and that's exactly what he's done. He's such a fantastic person; and he's got a massive heart. I don't think that we've seen the best version of Grealish at City or the version that steps out on to the grass and enjoys himself."
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Contract details
After signed for City for £100million in 2021, the Birmingham-born star is under contract until the summer of 2027.
Would you like to see Grealish return to Aston Villa at some point? Have your say in the comments section below
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