‘Pep was having a go at Jack’ – pundit on Jack Grealish’s Man City future after latest
Frank McAvennie has hailed Jack Grealish’s turnaround at Man City – and insisted Pep Guardiola is no longer “having a go at him”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said there is no way Grealish will leave the Etihad just yet.
According to Italian outlet Calicomercatoweb (26 December), the Sky Blues are considering offering the 27-year-old as part of a swap deal with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
Pep Guardiola’s side are battling Chelsea and Arsenal for Leao’s signature and could include Grealish as part of the deal.
Grealish’s current deal runs until 2027 after his £100million move from Aston Villa in 2021.
Leao has just 18 months left on his contract at the San Siro but it is unclear if Milan would be open to a swap given concerns around Grealish’s age and wages.
When asked if the England international would be willing to quit City, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I do not think so.
“I think he is enjoying himself there. AC Milan would be a great place to go and play for from somewhere else, but not from Man City.
“You would not leave City to go to AC Milan, especially when he is now coming into the team. Grealish is getting a game, his manager has backed him.
“Not too long ago Pep was having a go at Grealish and he has lifted it up and got himself back in. He is now in the team. I think he is a great player and you need players like him in the dressing room.“
In other news, Jude Bellingham joining Man City after source’s update today – ‘wow’.