Jack Grealish 'hasn't done himself any favours with his off-field activities' as Everton deal stalls

Jack Grealish's return to Everton this summer is in doubt after he was caught in the midst of off-pitch antics during his recovery from injury.

That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 30-year-old's return to Hill Dickinson Stadium had expected to be a formality this summer after an incredibly loan spell that was ended in January when he suffered a significant foot injury.

But Grealish is yet to leave Manchester City this summer and Everton have made no progress towards signing him, with the possibility that he could see out the final year of his contract growing in likelihood.

The winger has been caught publicly drinking to excess on multiple occasions by the tabloids this year, in stories that are unlikely to encourage a transfer.

Yet Everton remain among Grealish's potential suitors, and it remains to be seen whether a move is still made.

Jack Grealish 'is a lovely lad'

The early weeks of Grealish's move to Everton felt almost surreal. The winger was back to his brilliant best, pulling the strings and supplying a completely different dimension.

The fans quickly fell in love, and the Toffees undoubtedly benefitted in the merchandise department.

But there is a fear that the wages Grealish would demand for a permanent move will not ultimately be worth it for Everton, and that he could become an expensive problem.

"I would hope he was going to sign for Everton because he generated a real interest. I mean, when he got in, he played well, and the fans liked it," King told Football Insider.

"Unfortunately, he picked up this injury, which was a nasty injury. But he ain't done himself any favours with his off-the-field activities during this period. He's a good player, Jack, I mean, he really is, and he's a lovely lad.

"He was at the Villa when I was at the Villa, and he really is an old-school footballer. But the Manchester City thing seemed to blow his mind, didn't it? £100m, he's set for life. 

"The stumbling block here is going to be, has he got a future with Manchester City? Well, I don't think he has.

"So where does he go? Would Aston Villa want him back? I think a lot of people would relish the idea that he went back because he's very popular, wasn't he? He was very popular."

Grealish comments leave no doubt

While Everton continue to weigh up the signing of Grealish this summer, the player has made no secret of his desire.

“I would LOVE to stay after this loan — this place feels like home now. I hope a deal can be done so I can stay at this club I’ve fallen in love with," he said in January.

There has been a suggestion that the Toffees are simply waiting for Man City to lower their asking price, which they will have to do if they are to recoup any of their £100m spend.

Should that be the case, Grealish's return to Everton may well be a waiting game.