Jack Grealish tipped for sensational Aston Villa return by transfer expert
Manchester City star Jack Grealish could complete a stunning return to Aston Villa this summer.
That is according to former senior Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
Grealish has only one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and is recovering from an injury that ended his season in January.
The England international spent the season on loan with Everton, and looked to have been completely re-born.
The Toffees had inserted an option to buy worth £50million in their loan deal for the winger, but opted against triggering it.
Bryan King tips Jack Grealish for Aston Villa return
Villa's desire for a new left-winger this summer is far from a secret. Morgan Rogers often occupied the position last season, and is now close to completing a £117m move to Chelsea.
His replacement in the first instance is expected to be new arrival Johan Manzambi, but the talented 20-year-old will predominantly feature in the centre of the pitch.
Crysencio Summerville and Alejandro Garnacho are said to be options for the Villans, but Grealish, who left for £100m in 2021, could be an surprise signing.
"Would he be a player to go back to Villa? They've lost two midfield players and whether you like it or not, at the time everybody poo-pooed it when he went, but he brought Aston Villa a lot of money," King told Football Insider.
"I mean, he went for £100m and it certainly wouldn't cost that to bring him back. He's a popular boy, he's still popular because he comes from that area.
"You know, could Aston Villa bring him back? Big disappointment to Everton fans, but I think it would be a bit of a buffer and a bit of a saving grace for the supporters if he did come back, because he was well liked at Villa.
"He was, during his time there, their best player. He's a good player and if Everton are dragging their heels, then, you know, you saw what happened with Rogers and Arsenal."
What has Grealish said about Villa?
Grealish enjoyed several brilliant years at Villa after breaking through from the academy.
He began to catch attention in the Championship, but it was after Villa's promotion that he became a serious target.
The winger scored eight goals and provided five assists in his first Premier League campaign, before hitting six goals and providing 10 assists in just 26 games in the following season.
"I knew some people would be unhappy when I left, and I can see why some were like that, but I gave my all for the club every single year I was there. If I score, I’m not going to be celebrating," Grealish said before his first return to Villa Park after joining Man City.
"At the end of the day I’m Jack Grealish from Solihull who loves the Villa. That will never change – I’ve had a season ticket since I was four and been a fan my whole life."