Aston Villa enjoyed a successful transfer window.

Dean Smith’s side strengthened significantly, bringing in the likes of Ollie Watkins, Ross Barkley, Emiliano Martinez, and Bertrand Traore.

They have also kept hold of their key stars following their dramatic avoidance of relegation last season.

The likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn, and Tyrone Mings are all still at the club, but it appears that there was interest in Grealish.

ESPN reports that Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was interested in snapping up the star, though they were unable to get a deal over the line.

The report states that the Norwegian drew up a list of targets, with Grealish and Jadon Sancho both included on it.

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However, the club’s asking price scotched proceedings, as Villa demanded over £80m for their prized asset.

He ended up inking a new deal and will remain with the club for the foreseeable future, having captained them to survival last term.

Grealish has enjoyed an electric start to the season, scoring three goals and registering three assists, including two goals in the remarkable 7-2 thumping of Liverpool.

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United, by comparison, signed Donny van de Beek to strengthen their midfield, before bringing in left-back Alex Telles, striker Edinson Cavani, and young wingers Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri, all on deadline day.

GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…

Villa were absolutely right to stand firm.

The club skipper is next to irreplaceable at Villa Park, given his ability to both score goals and register assists.

He is an inspirational figure at times, scoring eight league goals last season and captaining Villa to survival.

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He has been rewarded with an England call-up and is the type of player who is worth whatever kind of fee his club demands.

Even if United had spent £80m on him, one has to wonder how Villa would have gone about replacing him.

Thankfully for them, they don’t have to worry.