Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear has revealed that the club remains in contact with Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Goodison Park. The 30-year-old England international has returned to Manchester City but his future remains uncertain.
Kinnear on Grealish's rehabilitation
Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, Kinnear said: "Jack [Grealish] is a player we've remained in contact with. It was no secret that he decided to have his rehabilitation done here for the remainder of last season when he didn't have to do that."
He added: "He's a player who's fallen in love with the right shade of blue but ultimately he's a Manchester City player at the moment and we need to respect that. The most important thing is he's back. He had a very serious injury, he's worked really hard to get back from that."
Grealish's season at Everton
Grealish scored twice and provided six assists in 22 appearances for Everton before a long-term injury cut his loan spell short. He opted to stay with the club during his recovery.
He has already made one appearance for City this season, coming on at half-time in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. New City boss Enzo Maresca said: "Jack was inside when we were 2-0 down so the game already became complicated after that, but overall I think Jack was good. The ones that are still here and want to work every day and if they deserve they're going to get minutes. At the moment the transfer window is open and we will see what happens."
Grealish's City career and future
Grealish joined City from Aston Villa in 2021 for £100m and has made 158 appearances, scoring 17 times. He has won three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup. His current contract runs until next summer.
The 39-time England international was spotted at Cardiff City's Championship opener against Wrexham, though there is no suggestion he could sign for either club. When asked by a home supporter whether his appearance was a permanent deal or a loan, he jokingly replied that he didn't know yet.
He will hope to be in contention when City begin their Premier League season against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
