Sunderland are exploring a late transfer window move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, with the Championship club open to both a loan and a permanent deal for the 30-year-old.

Grealish is entering the final year of his contract at Manchester City, and his situation at the Etihad Stadium has grown increasingly marginal. He has featured only as a substitute in City's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and their Premier League opener against Bournemouth.

City's depleted wide options

Manchester City's options on the flanks have thinned dramatically in recent days. The club have agreed to sell both Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur — Savio has already completed his move, while Marmoush's transfer is ongoing. A short-term calf injury to Jeremy Doku, expected to keep him sidelined for two to three weeks, has added further pressure.

As things stand, Enzo Maresca has Antoine Semenyo and Grealish as his only senior wide forwards, with Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki available but more naturally suited to central roles.

City are in talks to sign 22-year-old Brazilian Allan from Palmeiras as a replacement for Savio, though that deal is yet to be finalised. The club are also understood to be weighing interest in Cody Gakpo at Liverpool.

Everton also in the picture

Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, and the Merseyside club remain keen on securing his services again. That means Sunderland face competition should they formalise their interest in the player.

Sunderland's wider recruitment push

Grealish is not the only winger on Sunderland's radar. Regis Le Bris' side have submitted a bid for Marseille's Igor Paixao, a Brazilian wide player who was also pursued by Leeds United last summer before opting to join the French club. Talks between the two clubs are continuing, with Marseille under pressure to raise funds and Sunderland prioritising reinforcements in wide areas.

Sunderland have also spent several weeks in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over Mozambique international Geny Catamo, who carries a release clause of £51.4 million at the Portuguese club.

Sunderland's summer transfers

The Black Cats have been active throughout the window. Incoming deals include Dayann Methalie from Toulouse for £25.7 million, Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp for £8 million, Thomas Meunier from Lille on a free transfer, Ethan Berry from Crystal Palace on a free, and Adam Nelson from Glentoran at no cost.

On the outgoing side, Eleizer Mayenda has joined Rennes for £22 million, Anthony Patterson moved to Wrexham for £10 million, and Dan Neil departed on a free transfer to Rangers, among several other exits.