Jack Grealish looks increasingly likely to leave City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, although there are conflicting reports over where he will go next.
Football Insider reports that Sunderland are confident of securing the 30-year-old on loan, with the Black Cats emerging as competition for Everton.
That comes as Everton are understood to be advancing in talks with City over taking Grealish back to the Hill Dickinson following his loan spell there last season.
Grealish’s preference is understood to be a return to Everton.
The Sunderland interest, however, means City may now have more than one possible route to moving the England international on before the window closes.
Everton still appear to have Grealish advantage
BBC Sport reported earlier this week that Grealish would prefer to return to Everton should he leave City.
That remains important when assessing Sunderland’s reported confidence.
Everton can offer Grealish a return to familiar surroundings after his successful loan spell on Merseyside, while talks between the clubs are now reportedly progressing.
Sunderland provide an alternative.
For City, though, the destination may be less important than finding an agreement which works for all parties.
Grealish is no longer central to City’s plans and the amount of interest emerging in the closing days of the window suggests his time at the Etihad Stadium could now be approaching its end.
Everton still appears the more likely destination if Grealish gets his preferred move, but Sunderland’s interest means nothing can yet be taken for granted.
Either way, the picture around Grealish has changed considerably.
The question is becoming less about whether he leaves City before Tuesday’s deadline and more about which club he joins.
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