Manchester United are set to focus their attentions on Aston Villa star Jack Grealish this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The Villa skipper has impressed throughout this season as the Midlands club attempt to avoid relegation to the Championship.
United are said to have identified Jadon Sancho as their top target for the transfer window but the Borussia Dortmund ace is said to be stalling over any potential exit from the German club.
As a result, the report claims that United will instead look to secure Grealish as they seek a big-name signing this summer.
Grealish would cost around £75 million after a season in which he has scored nine goals and registered eight assists in all competitions.
United supremo Ed Woodward is said to believe that Grealish could become a star in Manchester, potentially replacing Juan Mata.
He would earn around £150,000-per-week if he did move to Old Trafford, and the Star claims that Grealish has already decided to leave Villa, regardless of whether they stay up or not.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
Grealish is a superb talent and while this may seem like an expensive deal on the surface, it makes sense.
He’s just 24 and is already performing at an elite level in a poor team; Villa have won just seven times this season and sit 19th, two points away from safety.
A move to United would allow him to take his game to the next level as he plays with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford.
Villa have every right to demand a king’s ransom, given that Grealish has come through their youth ranks and has a contract that runs until 2023.
It may become something of a saga, but this would be a smart move from United.
Then, perhaps next summer, they can revisit a possible move for Sancho, who may return to England eventually.