Newcastle United are interested in signing Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claims that the Magpies are monitoring the in-demand 22-year-old alongside half of the Premier League this summer.
It is understood that the attacking midfielder will be available his summer amid financial problems at Championship outfit Villa and that they have placed a £40million price tag on his head.
The report details that Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez wants to add a creative midfielder to his ranks at St James’ Park in the transfer window and the Villa talisman ticks a lot of the boxes.
Good move for Newcastle?
Grealish has improved massively from the young talent who dazzled in patches and is beginning to become a more complete player.
The English playmaker was directly involved in nine goals in 31 appearances for Villa this season and the widespread interest in him suggests how highly he is rated.
He has the capability to make the step up to the top flight next season and Newcastle should certainly try to land him, but anywhere near a reported £40million price tag would be unreasonable.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Grealish’s exit from Villa certainly looks more likely by the day and a move to the Premier League seems inevitable.
However, it would be a major shock if Newcastle won the race for him against their rivals and it seems unlikely they will fork out big sums to try get him.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10