Manchester City are understood to have joined the race for Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish - who is also wanted by cross-town rivals Manchester United.
Despite Villa's struggles, Grealish has been in outstanding form this season. The 24-year-old has racked up seven goals and five assists for the Villains and has been tipped to earn a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2020.
United have been heavily linked with a move for Grealish in the summer, but The Mirror claim they may face competition from City, who are eager to rebuild their squad after a disappointing campaign.
Pep Guardiola is thought to have been impressed with Grealish's creativity and is ready to launch a summer bid for the Englishman, but other reports suggest he may come up short.
The Sun claim that Grealish would prefer a move to United in the summer and is prepared to turn down the likes of City, Barcelona and Real Madrid in order to seal a switch to Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Jack Grealish has scored a career-high seven league goals this season.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 18, 2020
In the form of his life. pic.twitter.com/QXgAcq5c1F
United are hopeful of winning the race for his signature even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season. Villa want £60m to part ways with their star, but they may be forced to drop that asking price if they end up getting relegated back to the Championship.
Goal add that formal transfer negotiations have not taken place just yet, but behind-the-scenes talks have given both United and Grealish confidence that a deal could be struck in the summer.
The midfielder is believed to have already agreed personal terms with United, who are prepared to give him far more than the £100,000-a-week wage which he currently earns at Villa Park, and he is even thought to have started looking for a house in the local area in anticipation of a transfer.
United hope to finance the deal by selling unsettled midfielder Paul Pogba, who is expected to leave at the end of the current campaign. The Red Devils still want somewhere close to £150m to sell the Frenchman, which would give them more than enough to afford Grealish.
Having been forced to work hard to sign Bruno Fernandes during the January window, United are eager to get a head start in anticipation of what could be a busy summer.
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Source : 90min