Guardiola orders nine-figure splurge for Prem star after De Bruyne chat

Jack Grealish TEAMtalk

Pep Guardiola has decided to make Jack Grealish a major target for Manchester City after a conversation with Kevin De Bruyne, according to a report.

Grealish has established himself as one of the most creative players in the Premier League since Aston Villa returned to the top flight in 2019.

He scored eight goals in his first season back in the highest division, and has already provided four from eight games this term.

The 25-year-old was linked with Manchester United over the summer. However, recent reports explained why that move did not go through.

In the end, Grealish committed his future to his boyhood club by signing a new contract with Aston Villa. His form at the start of this season has put him back in the shop window, though.

According to The Independent, sources close to the player believe it is “only a matter of time” until Grealish is playing for a top six club. And with United seemingly now out of the picture, their rivals could swoop in.

Man City recently emerged as contenders for Grealish, and it appears they are firming up their interest. The report from The Independent indicates that Pep Guardiola discussed Grealish with the club hierarchy when negotiating his own new contract recently.

Now that Guardiola has committed his future to the club, the attention will turn to the transfer market. City are looking to evolve their squad in an effort to regain the Premier League title, which they last won in 2019.

It is claimed that Guardiola is a “huge admirer” of Grealish, who has five assists in the Premier League so far this season.

 

De Bruyne recommendation key

If the former Barcelona coach needed any more convincing, then De Bruyne was apparently on hand to help his judgement.

De Bruyne is currently City’s most creative player, after providing 20 assists and 13 goals in the Premier League last season. He recently praised Grealish after playing against him for Belgium against England.

Now, Guardiola has reportedly consulted his vice-captain over whether Grealish would fit in at the Etihad Stadium. The answer was a positive one.

The feeling seems to be mutual as well. Grealish recently named De Bruyne as one player he watches to try and improve his own game.


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However, if they are to unite at City, Grealish will not come cheap. The report speculates that his value has now risen beyond the £100m mark.

That would be a club record deal for City, but they are the “most intent” in the race to sign Grealish at present.

City may not be the only suitor for the Villa star, though. Reports elsewhere have linked Grealish with a move to Real Madrid.

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