Jack Grealish's future is yet to be decided but his probable departure from Manchester City could finally be drawing nearer.
Grealish has fallen out of favour at Man City four years after they spent £100 million to sign him from boyhood club Aston Villa.
The England international started a total of 17 Premier League matches in the last two seasons and his relationship with the club is considered irreparable.
At 29, Grealish needs to find a new club and has been linked with a host of potential buyers and borrowers including Everton and Villa.
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One potential outcome is a transfer abroad, where more clubs are able to fund a permanent transfer and could be tempted into offering the former Villa captain a deal to end his career in the manner to which he's become accustomed.
If Grealish wants to find inspiration he need look no further than Scott McTominay, a Serie A winner and league MVP in his first season with Napoli – and, possibly, a future teammate.
McTominay took the leap from Manchester United and reaped the rewards, proof of concept for Napoli head coach Antonio Conte who wants a piece of Grealish too, according to reports.
With Dan Ndoye apparently heading for Nottingham Forest from Bologna, Napoli are targeting Grealish to join new signing Kevin De Bruyne instead.
"The England international turns 30 in September and his contract with Manchester City runs to June 2027," reports Football Italia.
"That means he could be available on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, giving both the player an opportunity to revitalise his career, and Napoli to keep him on a permanent basis."
Napoli also proved a successful move for McTominay's international teammate Billy Gilmour and, on loan, for Bournemouth's Danish midfielder Philip Billing.
Conte demonstrated his ability to get the best out of talented players in 2024-25 and they don't come much more talented than the unwanted Man City man.
Grealish might be a positive purchase but he won't be a bargain
According to GOAL, City are open to an outright sale this summer and have even named their price.
"The Manchester City star has been training in Italy this summer, and not too far away from Napoli, which has also increased optimism at the club that he could be tempted to join the Serie A side this summer," reports GOAL.
"Manchester City are currently reported to be asking for around €45m (£39m) to sell Grealish this summer."
Topics: Football, Premier League, Serie A, Manchester City, Napoli, Jack Grealish
Chris Nee