Report: Manchester City offer Aston Villa £100M for Grealish
Jack Grealish has emerged as Manchester City's top target.
The reigning Premier League champions are said to be hopeful of persuading Aston Villa to sell Grealish after submitting a bid worth £100 million for the England international, according to John Percy of The Telegraph.
City are believed to be optimistic that a deal can be reached over the next few days.
It's understood that manager Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the 25-year-old, and City made the offer after days of discussions, Percy adds.
If successful, the transfer would be the most expensive in Premier League history, eclipsing the £89 million that Manchester United paid to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus in 2016.
Aston Villa have offered the attacking midfielder a new contract, but the team will have to wait to find out his decision when he returns from holiday.
A move to City would offer Grealish an opportunity to play in the Champions League and boost his chances of winning silverware. Villa haven't won a major trophy since 1996, while City are fresh off winning the Premier League and appearing in the Champions League final.
Grealish has made over 200 appearances for his boyhood club.
Increased effort to sign Grealish comes after City's frustrating attempt to reach a deal for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, Percy reports. Kane was the team's top priority, but there's been a lack of progress during talks with Tottenham officials.
HEADLINES
- Springer's career-high 7 RBIs help Jays pummel Yankees on Canada Day
- Astros' Alvarez shut down after setback in rehab of fractured hand
- Red Wings legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Alex Delvecchio dies at 93
- NHL free agency: Live analysis of the biggest moves
- Report: Pistons sign Heat's Robinson to 3-year, $48M deal as part of sign-and-trade