Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a move for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Jack Grealish.
The Villa player has had a fine season in the Premier League, but could be on his way out at the end of the campaign. The Telegraph have reported that City will rival Manchester United to sign the 24-year-old Englishman.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has previously talked about Grealish’s talent and revealed that he is a big fan of the Villa attacker.
With Leroy Sane’s move to Bayern Munich now confirmed, Guardiola could make a move for Grealish as a replacement for the departed German.
Grealish has done well in a struggling Villa side, scoring 7 goals and assisting 6 times in 30 Premier League games.
Jack Grealish to Manchester City – A smashing move ?
Manchester City will have to be busy when the summer transfer window opens. The gap between them and Premier League champions Liverpool is far too big, and the Citizens will have to make significant investments to freshen their squad. Strengthening the defence will be their priority, but City will also have to reinforce their attack.
Leroy Sane has left the club to join German giants Bayern Munich, while David Silva will also depart at the end of the season. City’s interest in Grealish doesn’t come as a surprise as he is a player with flair and great technical ability, and is ready to make the big step up to a top 6 side.
Grealish is capable of playing as a winger or as part of a midfield three. He uses his skill and invention to play defence-splitting passes, something Silva is good at.
While Sane is a speed machine, taking players on and beating them for pace, Grealish uses close control and his dribbling ability to beat players. He is a completely different winger when compared to Sane.
But, he would be a great fit in this City squad, that have other good options out wide, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez. Grealish’s ability to play in midfield is also a bonus, and he could even fill the David Silva role in the City starting XI.
One player who will be disappointed with the arrival of Grealish will be Phil Foden, who has shone in the few opportunities given to him, and plays in a similar role. But, City need a strong squad to continue competing on all fronts, and have to make a move for the Villa man.
Stats via Whoscored