Jack Grealish to Newcastle transfer truth as Man City star seeks new club

Jack Grealish is unlikely to be swapping Newcastle for Man City (Image: Getty Images)

Rumours suggesting Newcastle United's swoop for Jack Grealish have been quashed by sources close to the Manchester City man. Speculation at the weekend said that Grealish could be heading to Tyneside, as whispers of a cut-price £60million deal circulated around Etihad Stadium. But Newcastle believe their name is being used to help hasten Grealish's exit.

Signing the England winger would break the financial barriers at Newcastle, given his whopping £300,000-a-week wage packet is mismatched with their pay structure. Only a substantial subsidy from City towards Grealish's salary might bring a loan move into plausibility but the Citizens would surely be unlikely to want to strengthen a top five rival.

City, under Guardiola's concession, are prepared to part ways with Grealish with reports also suggesting Everton and Leeds are keen on him. Both will also face financial difficulties to get a deal over the line for the £100m former Aston Villa managr.

Manager Eddie Howe holds Grealish in high regard but dismissed such high-calibre signings as financially untenable for now, stating in January: "Financially? [are we able to sign a player like that? ]. I don't believe currently we have."

Despite Newcastle's desire to splash the cash in the transfer window, tightening the financial belt remains a necessity. They're on the hunt for a right winger, striker, centre-half, and keeper, rather than a left winger like Grealish.

In remarks made last season regarding Grealish, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: "Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. And it didn't happen this season, and last season neither. And he needs to do it with us, or another place.

"But that is a question for Jack, his agent, and the club. If he stays, we'll be fine, and he'll fight like he fought since day one to make a contribution."

This story first appeared on Chronicle Live