Manchester United’s proposed transfer swoop for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish could come under threat from their rival Manchester City.
City, who relinquished their Premier League title to Liverpool
last week, are looking to significant additions to their playing squad this summer in a bid to reclaim their crown next season.
Citizens boss Pep Guardiola
is a huge admirer of Grealish, describing him as ‘one of the best players in the league’ before facing Villa in the League Cup final this season.“I’m a big fan of him,” said the Sky Blues manager.
Grealish is expected to be the subject of bids when the Premier League season ends, with Aston Villa struggling today avoid Premier League relegation.
According to The Guardian, City will consider the 24-year-old as a summer target should they receive their asking price from Bayern Munich for Leroy Sane.
Sane has made it clear he is tired of life at the Etihad and wants a return to his native Germany.
But Bayern’s valuation of £35m is considered derisory at City, who would rather let Sane’s contract expire than accept a deal below market value.
An eventual transfer is expected to go beyond £50m.
Guardiola has stated he is not looking for a like-for-like replacement for Sane as a left-sided forward but Grealish is seen as a player who can be deployed as a central midfielder and an attacker.
The Birmingham born star, who scored nine goals in 29 starts before football shut down, is also a player who will boost the homegrown quota of players for Premier League clubs.
United have been long-term admirers of Grealish, who saw a £25m move to Tottenham collapse two years ago.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked at homegrown talent last summer when he brought in Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, and Grealish fits the bill as a young player with potential to fill rather than a marquee signing.
It was reported over the weekend that Aston Villa ace has purchased a house in Manchester ahead of his impending summer transfer.
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