Aston Villa plans revealed in attempt to keep key man on board

Jack Grealish, Ollie Watkins Aston Villa

Reports claim Aston Villa will look to match the ambitions of their best player by spending big on a new striker this summer.

The West Midlanders have enjoyed a solid season and sit comfortably in mid table with 10 games to go. Having flirted with relegation last term, Dean Smith’s side have already taken 41 points in 2020-2021. They have won 12 top-flight games including a shock 7-2 thrashing of champions Liverpool back in October last year.

Jack Grealish has played a huge part in proceedings. The 25-year-old has started 22 of the Villans’ league games and scored six goals.

But his overall contribution to the team has been immeasurable. England came calling earlier in the campaign and the Birmingham-born ace now has five caps for the Three Lions.

He has been tipped to be part of Gareth Southgate’s summer squad for the delayed European Championship. Unsurprisingly, a number of clubs have been linked with a move for the talented midfielder.

Grealish signed a new five-year contract with Villa in September last year. He seems happy to play for his hometown club despite speculation over his future.

But the Villa Park outfit will doubtless be anxious to keep hold of their talisman in the face of expected bids. They have brought in some quality additions in the form of Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez.

Aston Villa v Fulham Match Preview, April 04, 2021

Aston Villa v Fulham Match Preview, April 04, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Fulham, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

And CaughtOffside are reporting that they will continue to spend money this summer in order to maintain their progression. They could demand a huge fee for Grealish but, instead, will look to add quality up front.

Smith needs a new striker to help Watkins. The England man is the only Villa player to have reached double figures in this season’s league goals tally.

Grealish the key to Villa success

Villa sit 11th in the top-flight table and are still pushing for a Europa League spot. That may be a tall order but there is clearly a confident air about the club at present.

Grealish’s displays have helped create the positivity and they are a better side with him in the ranks. He looks set to return against Fulham on Sunday after a seven weeks out with a shin problem.

Dean Smith Aston Villa TEAMtalk

The former Notts County loan man will hope to impress throughout the remainder of the campaign.

Southgate is busy finalising his squad for Euro 2020. He has many options in midfielder but Grealish seems as good as any around.

Villa certainly think so and will continue to invest heavily to build their side around him.

READ MORE: Pundit puts timescale on Aston Villa star’s return