Jack Grealish's absence from Manchester City's Club World Cup selection has intensified whispers that his time at the Etihad Stadium is drawing to a close.

The 29-year-old winger recognises that a summer departure appears inevitable if he harbours ambitions of featuring in England's 2026 World Cup campaign. Limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola have left the former Villa captain contemplating his future.

Sources close to the player reveal Grealish has privately communicated his willingness to entertain offers from Premier League rivals, with Everton's approach particularly catching his attention. The prospect of regular first-team football at Goodison Park, combined with the allure of the Toffees' upcoming stadium relocation, has reportedly "excited" the Birmingham-born playmaker.

Rather than accepting a peripheral role at City, Grealish appears determined to prioritise consistent playing time. This stance reflects his urgency to maintain international relevance ahead of the World Cup in North America.

However, Everton's financial constraints present a significant obstacle. The Merseyside club lacks the resources to cover Grealish's substantial £350,000-per-week salary, meaning City would need to subsidise any potential loan arrangement.

The recent acquisition of French talent Rayan Cherki has further diminished Grealish's prospects at the Etihad, pushing him down the attacking midfield hierarchy. With limited pathways back into Guardiola's preferred XI, an exit appears the most viable solution for all parties.

City have meanwhile confirmed their 27-man travelling party for the Club World Cup, where they face a Group G containing Moroccan champions Wydad AC, UAE representatives Al Ain, and Italian heavyweights Juventus.

The complete squad features three goalkeepers in Marcus Bettinelli, Stefan Ortega Moreno and Ederson, whilst defensive options include Ruben Dias, Rayan Ait Nouri, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Vitor Reis, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji and Abdukodir Khusanov.

Attacking threats will come from Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Nico Gonzalez, Savinho, Rayan Cherki, Claudio Echeverri, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis, supported by midfielders Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Tijani Reijnders and Matheus Nunes, plus versatile teenager Nico O'Reilly.