Jack Grealish responds in now-deleted Instagram post to latest Everton return speculation
Everton-linked Jack Grealish was quick to pour cold water on why he was not included for Manchester City's pre-season tour of Asia.
Grealish has been linked with a return to the Toffees throughout pre-season after joining on loan last season.
The 30-year-old was proving a big fan favourite with the Everton fanbase before injury curtailed his season back in February.
Grealish scored two goals and provided six assists in 20 Premier League appearances last season before his setback.
Everton are said to still be keen on bringing Grealish back into the fold, and news he was absent from City's travelling party sparked renewed hope.
But, those hopes may have been dampened by Grealish himself after his response to a now-deleted Instagram post.
What did Jack Grealish write on Instagram?
Goodison News covered last weekend how Enzo Maresca had hinted that Everton-linked Grealish could still have a role at Man City.
A report on ESPN stated how Grealish and team-mate Kalvin Phillips were both omitted from City's travelling squad to Asia, though, and that a return "seems increasingly unlikely".
Indeed, that prompted an Instagram post from ESPN UK that included the caption: "Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips have been left out of Man City's pre-season squad travelling to Asia. They haven't played since January and February respectively."
However, Grealish took exception to the way the post was framed, and according to the Manchester Evening News replied underneath it.
The MEN said it read: "Just to let you know, I'm still recovering from an injury so I'm not training yet. Haven't been 'left out' so stop talking poo poo, thanks."
The post has now been deleted, which means so has Grealish's reply, but it certainly does not bode particularly well for his return chances.
Is it time for Everton to move on from Jack Grealish?
Everton are facing a bit of a dilemma with their options at the moment.
Everton ace Iliman Ndiaye is reportedly the subject of talks with Al-Hilal, while Grealish's return is seriously uncertain.
Tyrique George has returned in a permanent deal from Chelsea, while much more will be needed from Tyler Dibling.
If Everton do sell Ndiaye for big money, then the smart move could be to reinvest that elsewhere other than Grealish.
Grealish is still recovering from injury, so it feels like even if a deal is a doable then it will not get resolved for some time.
Moreover, Maresca is a bag fan of Grealish's and may decide to utilise him in his own squad for the coming season.
It's tough to accept, but the smart play - unless something changes dramatically - could be to move on.