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Jack Grealish axe from Club World Cup squad opens door for transfer away from Man City – Paper Round
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Published 04/06/2025 at 23:26 GMT+1
Thursday’s Paper Round leads on Jack Grealish, the Manchester City winger who is set to be left out of their Club World Cup squad. Elsewhere, Son Heung-min is set to attract interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Liverpool are close to signing Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, and Sir Dave Brailsford is changing roles at Ineos and will no longer have a huge role at Manchester United.
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Jack Grealish is set to be left out of Manchester City’s squad for the Club World Cup, freeing the 29-year-old up to seal a move away this summer, the Telegraph reports.
With the World Cup next year, Grealish is likely to seek first-team football and with a growing acceptance that is no longer going to be the case at City under Pep Guardiola, he is braced for interest and options from the Premier League and abroad.
The Telegraph adds: “City are believed to be open to allowing Grealish to find a new club, with the player recognising that he needs to use the summer to best prepare for next season and the potential for a fresh start.
“Given Grealish cost City £100m and earns in the region of £300,000 a week, a permanent move this summer would require a lot of negotiation between all parties.
“There is also the possibility of a loan move, which would give Grealish the chance to play regularly and try to recapture his best form, despite not securing his long-term future.”
Spurs open to Saudi interest in Son
Saudi Pro League clubs are set to target Tottenham's Son Heung-min later in the summer transfer window, the Daily Mail reports.
The 32-year-old is soon entering the final year of his contract and having previously turned down offers from Saudi clubs, Spurs may be willing to listen to offers unless he extends his deal further.
The Mail adds: “Prior to the extension, question marks over Son's future at the club had already begun circulating, with some fans now expecting a summer exit.
“The South Korean star played a crucial role in ending Tottenham's 17-year wait for a major trophy and lifted the Europa League title after beating Man United last month.
“The captain of the club, Son has been at Tottenham for almost a decade and has made 454 appearances, while he has scored 173 goals.”
Liverpool close on Kerkez
Liverpool are close to agreeing a £40m deal to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, the Telegraph reports.
The Premier League champions are negotiating with the Cherries over the fee for the Hungary international, and there is confidence a compromise can be reached soon as Arne Slot’s title defence bid begins to take shape already.
The Telegraph adds: “Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, is at the forefront of discussions with Bournemouth, his former club.
“Kerkez joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and excelled in his second season, helping the club to finish ninth in the Premier League.
“Champions Liverpool are seeking a new left-back to provide competition and become the long-term successor for Scotland international Andy Robertson, with Kerkez scoring highly on data and statistics.
“Bournemouth’s stance on the 21-year-old’s valuation is high as he has three years remaining on his contract.”
Brailsford steps back from Man Utd role
Sir Dave Brailsford will reduce his role at Manchester United and return to his previous role as director of sport for Ineos, the Daily Mail reports.
The reshuffle by Sir Jim Ratcliffe follows a poor season for United, where Brailsford oversaw major changes and had an office at the club’s Carrington training ground. He will still be involved in the running of the club, but is taking a step back.
The Mail adds: “Brailsford is not the only United chief to see a change in role, with Jason Wilcox being named director of football, having served as technical director since his arrival in April 2024.
“The move comes after a deeply disappointing campaign for the Premier League giants, who finished in 15th place – their worst position since the competition was born in 1992 – and lost in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.”
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