Jack Grealish's preferred transfer destination emerges with report claiming he 'favours' them over Newcastle and other interested clubs

A surprise contender has emerged in the race to sign Jack Grealish this summer, according to reports – and the Manchester City midfielder is said to be 'excited' by their growing interest.

Earlier this month, Grealish was left out of City's 27-man squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, a decision that only intensified rumours around his immediate future.

The 29-year-old, who still has two years remaining on his reported £300,000-a-week contract, was already being linked with a move away after making just seven Premier League starts last season.

However, after missing out on this summer's tournament in America, it appears the England international is set for a new challenge, with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle, and former club Aston Villa have all been linked, while Everton are monitoring his situation ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, according to the Daily Mail.

No formal talks have taken place between City and Everton, and it appears any deal would likely take the form of a loan, given the financial constraints imposed by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.

But the noise around a possible move to the Toffees continues to rumble. In fact, a new report from Football Insider suggests Grealish 'favours' a move to Everton over Newcastle and the foreign clubs chasing him.

After claiming Grealish has accepted he will have to join a new club next season as next year's World Cup looms, the publication says the player has "let it be known to friends that he is open to a move to another Premier League club, and is excited by Everton’s interest."

It adds: "The glamour of the club’s new stadium and the possibility of a regular starting role is attractive to the former Aston Villa star, who does not just want to be a squad player at a Champions League club."

Grealish played a bit-part role for City last season. Image credit: Getty

After he left Grealish out of his matchday squad for the final game of the season against Fulham, Pep Guardiola spoke about the possibility of Grealish leaving for pastures new.

"Of course, Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days," he said. "It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it, with us or another place.

“It’s a question for Jack, his agent and the club. If he stays it will be fine and he will fight like he fought from day one to make a contribution, but not today.

“It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season. I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki (Begiristain), Hugo (Viana) and the agents.”

One thing is for sure. Grealish would be a marquee arrival at the new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. Thoughts on a potential move to Everton for the midfielder? Let us know in the comments.