Jack Grealish left out of Manchester City Asia tour

Jack Grealish has been omitted from Manchester City's squad for the club's pre-season tour of Asia, further fuelling speculation that the England international could leave the Etihad before the summer transfer window closes.

Manchester City fly to Asia on Tuesday for friendly matches against Inter Milan in Hong Kong and the K-League All-Stars and Atlético Madrid in South Korea. Grealish, however, will not travel with the squad after continuing his recovery from an injury suffered during his loan spell at Everton last season.

The 30-year-old only returned to pre-season training last week and has been working on an individual fitness programme rather than training fully with the first team.

Manchester City have attributed his absence from the tour to that ongoing rehabilitation, with Grealish having not featured in a competitive match since January.

The winger was pictured in Mallorca on Tuesday after travelling to the Spanish island on Monday, although there has been no suggestion that the trip changes his rehabilitation programme.

Grealish enters the final year of his Manchester City contract and is widely expected to leave the club this summer.

His omission from the travelling squad has inevitably intensified transfer speculation, although no destination has yet emerged as the clear favourite for his signature.

Manchester City are expected to assess Grealish's situation once he returns to full fitness, with both permanent and loan options likely to be considered if suitable offers arrive.

New Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca insisted last week that Grealish remains part of his plans while he is still under contract.

"At the moment, he's here. He's a Man City player," Maresca said.

"I like to know the players who belong to the club. It's my duty to coach them. Jack is here. I have a good relationship with Jack. He's got a big heart and he's a very good guy. Then we'll see what happens."

While Maresca stopped short of guaranteeing Grealish's future, his comments suggested no final decision has yet been made regarding the winger's long-term role.

Grealish's absence from Manchester City's pre-season tour comes at a pivotal stage of the summer window. Although the club have cited injury as the reason for his omission, his contract situation and limited playing time over the past year mean transfer speculation is likely to continue until a decision on his future is reached.

Grealish will continue his rehabilitation while Manchester City complete their pre-season tour in Asia. Once fully fit, discussions over his future are expected to accelerate as interested clubs assess the possibility of signing the England international before the transfer window closes.