According to reports, Jack Grealish has been offered an escape from his Everton loan by former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith.
Grealish, 31, has had a dismal start to his second loan spell in Merseyside, with no goals or assists across just six appearances in all competitions to date.
His start to the season has been particularly disappointing, given that the former Aston Villa academy graduate had performed extremely well in his first loan spell with the Toffees last season.
The Manchester City loanee, who's contract is due to expire at the end of the current season, has missed Everton's last four matches due to disciplinary issues, leading to speculation over the security of his place in the Everton squad.
Now, according to Football Insider, Grealish's former manager at Aston Villa Dean Smith has registered an interest in offering England international a route out of Merseyside.
Currently managing FC Charlotte in the MLS, following stints with Norwich City and Leicester City, Smith has helped the North Carolina based outfit to the MLS play-offs, finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference.
The franchise, established in 2019, already have a small English cohort, currently employing former Premier League players Harry Toffolo and Ashley Westwood.
According the the report, Grealish's wages could prove to be a stumbling block to the USA side's pursuit, though he could be registered as a 'wildcard' pick, allowing his salary to fall outside of the league's salary cap.
Should Grealish make the move stateside, he would reunite with the coach that was instrumental to his rise from the Championship to £100m star.
While no Everton exit is reported to be imminent for the 31-year-old, the Toffees' success in recent weeks without him will have done little to help his prospects of breaking back into David Moyes' plans.
