Former Premier League ace Dean Windass has poured praise on Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish, hailing him as an ‘exciting’ potential target for Liverpool.
The enigmatic versatile attacking force has been depicted as a ‘god’ of Villa in their quest for a top-half finish, but Windass has made a further claim on Liverpool’s squad.
Windass, speaking to Football FanCast, claimed that Jurgen Klopp could eye him up as a potential Sadio Mane or Mo Salah replacement if the Reds cash in on either winger:
“If Jurgen Klopp went for someone like Jack Grealish, who can play on the left, although his mentality would have to change off the ball. But those are the players that I would like to see Liverpool signing – young, English lads.
“If Klopp wanted him, he would get him. But depending on Mane and Salah, because if you buy Grealish, who are you going to leave out? If I was Jurgen Klopp, a young English, exciting footballer.
“Jack’s a god at Villa. But does he want to win medals? He might win a League Cup or FA Cup, but that’s as far as it goes. Does he want to stay a Villa for the rest of his career? I don’t think he will.”
Liverpool fans will not need reminding of their torrid title defence that has seen them left clinging on to retain even Champions League football next season, as Manchester City look increasingly certain to reclaim their champion status.
If Liverpool fail to achieve Tuesday night European football, it has been speculated that either winger could look to move elsewhere.
If that is the case, Liverpool could scarcely do better than recruiting the home-grown talent as a big-money replacement.
Compared to similar players in Europe’s top leagues, Grealish, who is valued at £54 million (as per Transfermarkt), is in the upper 15% for assists per 90 minutes in a strong indication of his direct impact in front of goal. He has scored 6 goals and added 12 assists in the league this season.
However, Grealish is reportedly valued at £100 million by Villa and is tied to a long-term deal, so any move will likely necessitate a high-profile departure before Liverpool would be able to afford his services if they are indeed interested.
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