Jack Grealish told the reason emotional Aston Villa homecoming won’t happen

Aston Villa won’t take Jack Grealish back as he doesn’t ‘tick the right boxes’ for Unai Emery.

That’s the opinion of talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino with Grealish‘s future still uncertain heading towards transfer deadline day.

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A man in demand

Grealish featured in Manchester City‘s first two games of the season but wasn’t among the substitutes for Friday’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.

And he has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium to a number of other Premier League clubs, including Villa – who he joined aged six and went on to captain before his £100m switch to City in 2021.

New City boss Enzo Maresca hinted that he would give Grealish opportunities this term, but the winger may have to look elsewhere for the kind of playing time he’d like – which might help him revive his England career.

The 30-year-old looked on track to do that during an impressive loan spell at Everton last season, only for his campaign to be cut short by injury in January.

talkSPORT understands Grealish would prefer to join Everton in the event of an exit from the Etihad.

It’s also understood that Villa would be interested in bringing him back to Villa Park on loan, while City denied reports of an approach by Sunderland.

Cascarino can’t see him fitting the bill for Emery’s Villa, however.

Cascarino’s Grealish doubt

The former Villa, Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker told Alan Brazil on talkSPORT Breakfast: “I think the manager [Emery] wouldn’t take Jack back.

“I think Unai Emery wants certain players to do certain things and I’m not sure that Jack ticks those boxes.”

Brazil didn’t seem so sure, replying: “I hate when you have a player with Jack’s ability running with the ball, strong on the ball, getting in the box. I hate when people say, ‘He’s a luxury player’. I hate that.

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“It takes all to make a team; it takes all different types.”

The Ipswich legend noted Grealish’s disciplinary issues in the past but stressed how much he endeared himself to Everton supporters.

“I like Jack, I really do. And yeah, he’s been a naughty boy in his time, but that was normal when we played. It’s different now.

“But look at some of the games he’s been absolutely brilliant in. Everton fans really like him.”

Moyes reacts

Responding to talk of a return to Merseyside for Grealish, Everton boss David Moyes said ahead of his side’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday: “We are in the recruitment business and we are looking to see if we can bring some players in if possible.

“But there’s no guarantee and to name one person would be wrong. Jack’s not at our club. He was brilliant for us, a great boy, but not for us to talk about because he’s at another club.”