Report: Jack Grealish faces loan exit as Man City trim squad

The 29-year-old winger, who joined the Citizens for 100 million pounds in 2021, struggled for game time last season, starting just seven Premier League matches and missing out on their Club World Cup squad. This has fueled speculation about his departure from the Etihad.

Clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Napoli have shown interest in Grealish, but his high wages pose a significant hurdle for potential suitors.

Manchester City have set an asking price of 40 million pounds for a permanent transfer, but a loan deal appears more feasible.

Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke said, "Jack Grealish is probably going to be one of the key players in the rest of the transfer window. A loan might be the most plausible deal due to finances."

Manager Pep Guardiola has also hinted at Grealish's need for regular football, whether at Manchester City or elsewhere. "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," Guardiola said.

"He needs to do it, with us or another place. It's a question for Jack, his agent, and the club."

Grealish isn't the only player facing the exit door. Manchester City are also open to offers for midfielder James McAtee and Kalvin Phillips as they look to streamline their squad.

McAtee, a standout in England's Under-21 Euro-winning squad, has attracted attention from Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United.

His transfer fee is estimated at 20-25 million pounds, with O'Rourke noting, "James McAtee has a lot of interest in him, in the Premier League and abroad. Eintracht Frankfurt are leading the race right now."

Phillips, meanwhile, has struggled to make an impact since his move from Leeds United. After a loan spell at Ipswich Town marred by injuries, his future remains uncertain. "It looks like he'll move on as well, but finances will dictate whether that's permanently or on loan," O'Rourke said.

As the transfer window progresses, Manchester City's squad overhaul signals their intent to refresh for the upcoming season, with Grealish's next move set to be a focal point for football fans.