Aston Villa are bracing themselves for an offer for star man Jack Grealish with Manchester City reportedly expected to make an opening bid for the English international..
According to Daily Mail, Manchester City could open the bidding for Jack Grealish in the coming days. The Premier League champions would like to make an opening offer of £75 million for the Aston Villa captain, although the Midlands club are holding out for a British record of £100 million.
Pep Guardiola has admired Grealish, who wishes to field the 25-year-old alongside Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City next season. The English international has been in sensational form for Aston Villa, attracting widespread interest from other big clubs as a result.
However, Grealish also understandably prefers a move to Manchester City to further his career with ambitions of winning major titles. His influence was also evident in the England side that reached the Euro 2020 Final. Despite not being a sure starter under Gareth Southgate, Grealish had his moments and shined.
Manchester City could make an opening offer for the 25-year-old, with Villa holding out for around £100 million. Such a fee would smash the British transfer record Manchester United paid for Paul Pogba. The Premier League holders will table a £75 million offer plus add-ons for Grealish.
Guardiola’s club is aware of Villa’s asking price and will likely increase their offer if the first move is rejected, which could be the case anyway. Earlier, City were tipped to make a £90 million bid for the attacker, although nothing came of it.
If reports are accurate, Manchester City are prepared to spend the money needed to sign Grealish, who still has a long-term contract at Villa. Manchester United were also interested in the 25-year-old but seemingly ceded their inrer once it was clear where his desire lies.
Manchester City are also in the race to sign Harry Kane. Last week, Spurs denied reports based on a story in The Sun, which claimed that Kane would be allowed to leave if Man City make a huge £160 million bid. Despite Tottenham’s stance over their striker, Manchester City remain hopeful of signing the England captain.
Considering how much those two players cost, Manchester City are in for a huge outlay to kick-start their transfer business this summer. Meanwhile, Grealish could be a more realistic target, who they can acquire reasonably quicker compared to negotiating with Tottenham for Kane.
Signing Grealish would be a real statement of intent, although it is unclear if their £75 million bid will be accepted. Manchester City City will enter next season with a target to defend their Premier League crown and go one step further in the Champions League, wherein they narrowly missed out after losing to Chelsea in the final.