‘Jack Grealish’s Man City career is over’ – O’Rourke update today
Jack Grealish’s Man City career is “over” as the race to sign him includes Premier League, European and Saudi clubs.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed the latest news sources have told him about on Grealish’s likely departure from the Etihad this summer.
The likes of Tottenham, Newcastle Everton and Aston Villa are keeping tabs on his situation, while Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as new contenders.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 11 June that Grealish would prefer to join Everton ahead of Newcastle and has informed friends of his intentions.
However, the winger’s £350,000 wage demands are set to make a permanent move difficult unless City are willing to take a “massive hit” on their investment.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that City will be forced to accept loan offers for Grealish as a result of his lofty pay packet.
Jack Grealish set to leave Man City as transfer race hots up
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 May that Grealish expects to leave Man City this summer and has told friends he has been “frozen out” by Guardiola.
Meanwhile, England boss Thomas Tuchel has told the midfielder that he needs to leave Man City and play regular football if he wants to make next summer’s World Cup squad.
O’Rourke explained that there will be no shortage of options for Grealish as his City career is “over” and he is keen to leave in search of regular playing time.
“There will be a lot of interest in Jack Grealish this summer,” he told Football Insider.
“It looks like his career at Man City is over, he’s been left out of the squad for the Club World Cup.
“The player himself has not been too happy and not playing regularly under Pep Guardiola, so a parting of the ways feels inevitable.
“He’s been told by Thomas Tuchel that he needs to leave Man City and join a club playing at the highest level if he is to get back in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
“Bayer Leverkusen look like they’re losing Florian Wirtz, so they will be in the market for reinforcements.
“There are a number of clubs monitoring Grealish’s situation in the Premier League as well.
“The likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton are all interested in him, and Aston Villa will look at it as well to see if they can bring him back.
“He won’t be short of options, but the problem is the finances that are involved.
“It looks like it will be difficult for a permanent deal to happen unless Man City are prepared to take a massive hit having signed him for £100million.
“His wages are going to be an issue for a number of clubs as well, so it’s up in the air at the moment.”
Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace eye Oscar Bobb deals
Grealish is not the only wide player being tipped for a move away from the Etihad this summer, as Oscar Bobb looks likely to leave on loan.
Brown told Football Insider on 12 June that Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace want Bobb as they aim to strengthen their squads for European competitions.
The Norway international suffered a broken leg last August and featured just four times last season after spending over 200 days on the sidelines.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 9 June that Man City will accept loan offers for Bobb as he is not likely to feature in Guardiola’s plans.
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