Man City given big Grealish transfer boost, as release clause emerges

Jack Grealish Aston Villa

Manchester City could sign Jack Grealish in the summer transfer window, should they trigger a release clause in his most recent Aston Villa contract, according to a report.

The Villa captain signed a new five-year deal last September, quashing earlier rumours of a big move away. Now, Football Insider claims that it includes an agreement that could see him leave Villa Park if the right fee is offered. Grealish made his mark by leading his boyhood club back into the Premier League last season and has continued stellar form this term.

As a result of his form – which has also led to a regular England role – speculation has arisen over where his future lies.

City are one side heavily linked with the 25-year-old, amid further ties to Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

Despite ongoing rumours of a mega-money move for Haaland to replace the departing Sergio Aguero at the end of the season, though, City manager Pep Guardiola is believed to greatly admire Grealish.

Indeed, previous Football Insider reports have claimed that Guardiola has identified him as his top transfer target.

City owner Sheikh Mansour has ambitions to land the English playmaker and the club possess the right ambition and funding to bring him to the blue side of Manchester.

It’s also reported that Grealish, 25 has expressed his desire to join City and is tempted by the opportunity to spend his peak years playing Champions League football and challenging for the Premier League title under the expert guidance of Guardiola.

The Midlands club are believed to have valued their star man at no less than £100 million (via The Telegraph), and will consider offers of nothing less for their acclaimed academy product.

Grealish: I thrive off Gazza comparisons

Grealish: I thrive off Gazza comparisons

Aston Villa and England forward Jack Grealish says he is happy to be compared to Paul Gascoigne, but insists he is yet to prove himself on the biggest stage.

Villa‘s billionaire owners Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris have no intentions of selling Grealish and are lining up a summer spending spree to keep him at the club.

Villa are on course for a top-half Premier League finish and club chiefs want to keep their star players around in the hope of climbing up the table.

Believed to be amongst their targets are two more strikers who can compete for a place in the starting eleven alongside Ollie Watkins, as the club look set to challenge for European football next season.

Grealish’s fantastic rise for Villa

Grealish Southgate TEAMtalk

Grealish has made 23 appearances for Villa this season in all competitions, scoring six goals and 11 assists in the Premier League this season.

He is currently sidelined from the squad with a shin injury, but he will be determined to help his side end an impressive season on a high.

He has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best talents this season and is set for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships in what could be an eventful summer for the 25-year-old.

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