Newcastle’s Jack Grealish hopes boosted as Man City 'make new transfer decision'
Jack Grealish is reportedly set to leave Manchester City this summer, with Newcastle United mentioned as a possible destination for the England star
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Jack Grealish this summer, following reports that the midfielder could leave Manchester City on loan.
Grealish is contracted to Pep Guardiola's side until 2027, and his substantial wages mean a permanent exit this summer may not be straightforward. It is claimed Grealish is keen to leave City in search of regular football and also to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for next year's World Cup.
City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak hopes to recoup a significant portion of the £100million spent to bring Grealish to the club in 2021, but the Daily Star reports that he will likely have to accept a season-long loan deal. With Guardiola also seemingly content to let the player go, it's believed that City will end up covering a large part of Grealish's wages, paving the way for a possible move to Newcastle.
The lack of a transfer fee will likely increase the number of clubs interested in Grealish. Newcastle have been linked with the former Aston Villa winger in the past, and could look to bolster their squad with a Champions League winner ahead of next season.
However, the Manchester Evening News understands that Newcastle are not currently considering a move for Grealish. This is said to be due to the options that Eddie Howe already has in Grealish's position.
Grealish has been tentatively linked with a return to Villa as he looks to rediscover his best form. A loan deal for a high-profile star would be akin to the deals Unai Emery's side struck for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
La Liga champions Barcelona are also reportedly interested in 29-year-old Grealish. With European football on the horizon, Nottingham Forest could be another feasible choice for the City star.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Everton, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur are also seen as potential destinations for the midfielder.
Outside of English football, the Saudi Pro League could emerge as another option, with Grealish possibly motivated by Ivan Toney's subsequent England call-up due to his performances for Al-Ahli.
Grealish has had a tough season at City, ending with him being dropped from the matchday squad for their last match against Fulham. The playmaker only featured in 20 league matches, making seven starts.
Grealish's £100m move from Villa made him the priciest signing in British football history. The winger consistently shone at Villa, but ended this campaign with just one league goal and assist.
Despite playing a significant role in City's historic treble win in 2023, he was limited to just 143 minutes of Premier League action since the turn of the year. He also appeared visibly dejected while sitting out City's FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.
However, Guardiola has maintained that there are no issues with Grealish. Regarding Grealish's absence on the last day of the season, Guardiola said: "It's nothing personal with Jack. I am the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the next season.
"Of course Jack has to play. He's an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn't happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it - with us or another place. It's a question for Jack, his agent, and the club."
Grealish's role in the squad will be further scrutinised at the forthcoming Club World Cup, which starts for City on June 18.
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