Manchester City are reportedly open minded to parting ways with Jack Grealish during the summer transfer window.
In 2021, City made the decision to pay a then-British record to sign Grealish for £100m from boyhood club Aston Villa.
Although Grealish played a key role in the club's treble-winning success during 2022-23, his numbers have not necessarily justified his price tag.
A total of 14 goals and 17 assists have been contributed in 116 appearances, and the current campaign has proven to be a considerable disappointment.
Just three goals and one assist have come in 13 starts and three substitute outings in the Premier League and Champions League, while injuries have restricted his game time since the turn of the year.
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Most notably, the England international has featured for just 702 minutes in the top flight this season, with Grealish subsequently dropping down the pecking order.
Manager Pep Guardiola has previously indicated that the 28-year-old has work to do in order to re-establish himself in the starting lineup, and opportunities are likely to materialise during a busy April period if he can shake off a groin issue.
Nevertheless, according to HITC, Grealish could be one of the fall guys should City strengthen their squad as they wish to do so in the summer.
The report suggests that there are concerns behind the scenes that Grealish has not developed under Guardiola in the way that many had anticipated.
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With Grealish not even halfway through a six-year contract, City may find themselves in a difficult position when it comes to receiving a suitable price.
Grealish turning 29 years of age in September will also not help matters on that front, while the creator is also one of the club's highest-paid players.
No teams are mentioned as potential suitors of Grealish, yet any that do emerge are likely to be faced with the prospect of spending a bare minimum of £40m unless some sort of loan agreement can be reached.
While Grealish is due to come back into contention after the international break, his last start for City was all the way back on January 7 against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup.
Darren Plant
