Aston Villa always knew they would be faced with enquiries for Jack Grealish when the winter transfer window opened, but a report from the Daily Mail claimed that they plan to dismiss them all.
It’s a brave call, however, as the playmaker has once admitted wanting to leave Villa Park and may be seduced by a major club showing interest.
The Athletic previously claimed that Villa valued the 25-year-old at £90m, but the Daily Mail believe he has a £100m buyout clause. Nevertheless, it doesn’t look like he’ll be on the way out in January.
Grealish has made 15 Premier League appearances this season, scoring five goals and supplying nine assists (Transfermarkt) while creating 55 chances, completing 44 successful dribbles, winning 73 fouls and delivering 51 crosses (WhoScored).
The England international has created more chances and won more fouls than any other Premier League player this season, while only Adama Traore (62) and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (50) have completed a higher number of successful dribbles [WhoScored], so it’s easy to see why Grealish is attracting big-money transfer interest.
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Villa are in a strong negotiating position as Grealish has four-and-a-half years remaining on his existing deal, so they’re under no obligation to cash in this month.
Manchester United have led the charm offensive, with former Red Devils Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville praising him while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken about him and to him personally, so time will tell whether they can prise Aston Villa’s chief creator from Dean Smith’s clutches.
