Aston Villa are ‘very hopeful’ that Jack Grealish will commit his future to the club by signing a lucrative new contract, despite recent claims that Manchester City will try to complete a British record £100m transfer after Euro 2020.
Grealish has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic attacking players since Villa returned to the top flight in 2019 and has become an England favourite thanks to his displays at Euro 2020, albeit largely from the bench so far.
The 25-year-old was brought on to try and make a difference in Tuesday night’s last 16 clash with Germany at Wembley and was involved in both goals to secure the 2-0 win.
But despite widespread suggestions that Manchester City are confident of signing him once the tournament is over, it is now said that Villa still have other ideas.
The Daily Telegraph writes that Villa want Grealish to sign a new contract and are prepared to raise his current £100,000 basic weekly salary to £150,000 before bonuses.
It is said that Villa’s owners have always been ‘serious’ about keeping their best player and the wealth behind the club means that even a British record £100m offer would not guarantee a sale.
Grealish only signed his current contract in September 2020, ultimately committing himself to his boyhood club after significant interest from other Premier League sides last summer.
The latest update on Grealish’s future from Villa’s perspective appears to fit with previous reports on the club’s stance. It was reported earlier this month that the club has been informing prospective transfer targets of their own that the talisman will be staying put this summer.
That is despite the player’s representatives allegedly believing they already have an informal agreement with the club that he will be sold if a suitable offer is made.
Villa have already secured a club record signing of Emi Buendia from Norwich this summer and, in addition to keeping Grealish, are determined to sign another attacking player. Two bids for Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe have been rejected, while it has also been rumoured that they are prepared to pay up to £40m for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, which would be another record.
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Source : 90min