Grealish to hold talks with Villa Chief Executive over future
Jack Grealish has been heavily linked to Manchester United throughout the season and the Englishman is reportedly set to hold talks with Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow about his future when he returns from holiday. Villa have put an £80 million price tag on the 24-year-old; however, it is unlikely that United would be willing to pay that much for the Villa captain.
Grealish made his debut off the bench in 2014, coming on late against Manchester City, as Villa stayed up and reached the FA cup final that season. However, Villa had contrasting fortunes the next season, as they slumped down to the Championship with just three wins. The only positive was the performances of academy graduate, Grealish, who was quickly establishing himself as a fans favourite and a Villa regular. In the three seasons that followed, Grealish matured on and off the pitch and became arguably the best player in the championship. He was continuously linked with various Premier League clubs however he vowed he wouldn’t leave until he had brought his boyhood club back where they belong. In the 18/19 season he did just that under the management of Dean Smith. This season, he helped Villa survive, scoring 8 goals, including a crucial strike which kept them up on the final day against West Ham. However now might be the time for him to make the move to a bigger club, such as United.
For Villa, this season, Grealish has played as a left-winger, however, his true position appears to be as a central attacking midfielder (CAM). Where he would fit in at Manchester United would be interesting, especially considering how in form, Manchester United have been since the restart. With Bruno Fernandes, United already have an excellent attacking midfielder, and despite Pogba still not signing a new contract, the Frenchman appears to be happy at Old Trafford and has thrived alongside Fernandes. And with United’s front three looking so deadly, it seems that Grealish would not start over Rashford, Martial, or Greenwood. This is perhaps why United are not willing to pay £80 million, as Grealish is not guaranteed a starting place in this United side unless Solskjaer makes a change in formation to fit Grealish into the side.
Whilst it still remains to be seen whether Grealish wants to leave, and whether United want to bid for him, it would be superb business for the Red Devils if Ed Woodward could get Grealish for a more realistic price, around £50-60 million, as even Prince William feels Jack Grealish should be in the England team!