Souness puts Grealish spat to bed with comical request and says ‘I can live with’ Man City star’s put-down

Graeme Souness believes he and Jack Grealish should settle their differences over a night out, following their war of words this week.

Manchester City star Grealish rose to fame at boyhood club Aston Villa, but his stock has risen since his move north. Not only did he become Britain’s most expensive signing at £100million, but he also made it into the England squad.

The 27-year-old has subsequently attracted attention with his performances. A bit-part role this term has followed a 39-appearance debut season.

Indeed, Grealish did not make the squad for three Premier League games in a row earlier this campaign due to injury.

talkSPORT and Sky Sports pundit Souness therefore claimed this week that while the attacker is a “good footballer”, he is not a “great player” and has not greatly improved at City.

Grealish responded in kind by reaching out to Souness, demanding the Scot to explain his problem with him.

Responding on talkSPORT, Souness insisted he feels he is “entitled to an opinion” after “over 50 years in the game”.

He said he doesn’t have a problem with Grealish “at all”, adding the 27-year-old’s technical traits are “fantastic”.

And he then claimed that he would love a night out with the England international to settle their differences.

“I’d love a night out with him,” the former Liverpool great said. “I am not sure I could stay with him but I think I would enjoy a night out with him.

“He has to pick and choose who he listens to, he might think my opinion is not worth listening to, I can live with that. He only has to listen to his own manager. That’s the only one he has to impress.”

Souness talks Pogba after Grealish comments

Souness has also caught the eye recently for his criticism of Paul Pogba. The former Manchester United midfielder, who cost the Red Devils £89million, could not find the form he showed at Juventus.

And after six years at Old Trafford, the France international returned to Juventus as a free agent.

Souness said: “When I was having a go at Paul Pogba, it was because it was Man United and I think I was the first one to call Pogba out as being an average player in our league,” the Scot said.

“I think I was proved 100 per cent right at the end of the day.”

Man City man needs to deliver

There is of course pressure on Grealish to deliver for club and country following his big-money move to City.

Pep Guardiola recently insisted that he “didn’t sign” the player “for the incredible goals or assists”. In that sense, he has the backing from his manager in different ways to just goal contributions.

As for his country, Grealish has emerged as an exciting technical player who can offer Gareth Southgate something different again.

He has made the current England squad and will be looking to keep his place ahead of the World Cup.

Nevertheless, there will always be that focus on his game time and competition in City’s front line.

Erling Haaland has hit the ground running at the Etihad Stadium, with Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez all starring still.