Speaking on the latest episode of The Football Terrace’s The Done Deal Show, Dean Jones spoke about Aston Villa’ stance on Jack Grealish.
Much has been reported about the future of Grealish, with reports emerging this summer initially suggesting that Manchester City were set to launch a bid for the midfielder once Euro 2020 had finished, but at the same time, Villa were going to offer their captain a new contract.
Will Jack Grealish stay at Aston Villa?
Yes
No
It had been reported earlier in the year that Pep Guardiola was willing to make Grealish the first English player to be bought for £100 million this summer, which highlights how impressive his performances were for Villa in the Premier League last term with six goals and 12 assists.
Jones offered a new update on Grealish’s’ future and his club’s stance on the matter.
“If I know, from talking to my sources, that Villa are willing to listen to offers, then, of course, these other guys that go into much higher positions than me are getting that same information – and more information – in regards of what is needed in terms of a fee.
“Man City are prepared to make a statement like never before in this window.
“They don’t want to go as far as £100 million on Jack Grealish, because I think that that’s a bit too far and they do, too.
“But they’ve got a budget of over £200m for Grealish and [Harry] Kane. They’ll have to wait and see what happens with Kane, but ultimately, they’ll give Grealish as much of that as they can afford to if it means getting him.”
TIF Thoughts on Grealish’s future…
Judging by Jones’ comments, it seems Manchester City have plenty of financial might to try and prise Grealish away, with a nine-figure sum potentially in the offing.
It has been reported in the last 24 hours by The Athletic’s Sam Lee that the deal is now at an advanced stage, which could signal that a deal is close to being brokered between the two clubs and would see Grealish leave his boyhood club and join the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan in a star-studded Man City midfield.
It would certainly prove to be a terrifying prospect for City’s Premier League rivals as Grealish missed 12 games in the league last season but was still easily the most fouled player and also finished second for both shot and goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, only bettered by De Bruyne.