Aston Villa latest transfer news as Jack Grealish is set to make a loan move from Manchester City to Everton
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish(Image: Getty Images)
Jack Grealish looks set to complete a loan transfer to Everton, a move that has been branded 'huge' for his career.
The former Aston Villa man found himself surplus to requirements at Manchester City, four years after making the £100 million switch from Villa Park.
A number of clubs throughout the Premier League and abroad reportedly held an interest in the 29-year-old, including Unai Emery himself.
With his career stagnating, playing only 20 times with just the one goal and assist during a disappointing season under Pep Guardiola last time out, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes the Everton transfer could prove to be a game-changer.
An England international, Grealish has found opportunities to represent his country hard to come by recently - but all this could change.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: "It's a brilliant move for both parties. For Grealish, he's been at Man City for a good few seasons now and it's a case of playing teams with everyone behind the ball.
"Teams have been doubling up on him and there's been no space. He now goes to Everton, and he'll have space. He'll be one vs one in a lot of games. He'll get the ball and be able to attack players, commit them and take them on.
"For Everton, they are getting an £100m player on loan. It's phenomenal for Everton. I just think this move ticks a lot of boxes. I think we are going to see the Grealish from his Aston Villa days.
"First things first, Grealish needs to focus on Everton and get going with his new club, but he has given himself a chance with England with this move.
"England have so many players now. It's phenomenal, but a place in the England squad is in Grealish's hands. At City, it was out of his hands because he wasn't playing, but this move gives him a great chance to get back in and get to the World Cup.
"If he performs to the ability he can, Grealish will be on that plane to America to the World Cup."