Villa to demand £80m for Grealish amid Man United interest
What's the story
Premier League side Aston Villa will demand at least £80m for mid-fielder Jack Grealish during the transfer window. Villa face Sheffield United tonight as Premier League 2019-20 resumes post a three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They haven't given up hope of keeping Grealish if they manage to avoid relegation. Here's the situation of Grealish in the transfer market.
United
United interested in landing Grealish
According to reports, Manchester United are interested in signing the England international. The player has been impressive in 2019-20 with nine goals and eight assists in the league. United need to sell certain players and raise funds to land the player. The Red Devils are keen to bolster their mid-field. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a liking for young players and Grealish fits the bill.
Mid-field
United's mid-field has started to look solid
The biggest gain for United this season was Fred's impact in defensive mid-field. The Brazilian improved drastically and showed why former manager Jose Mourinho got him. Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic showed character as well. With Bruno Fernandes signed for the attacking mid-field role, United look sturdy. Meanwhile, Paul Pogba is back and the Frenchman will be raring to have a crack.
Pogba factor
United could land Grealish if Pogba moves on
Pogba has been linked with a move away from United. Real Madrid and Juventus are keen to get the 2018 World Cup winner. If Pogba decides to move on, United will need to step up their chase for Grealish as a direct replacement. Solskjaer has identified Grealish as a player who can take United to great heights in the future.
Price
United want Villa to lower their asking price for Grealish
With the pandemic impacting finances, United will hope that Villa drop their valuation for Grealish. Earlier, United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward warned that it is unrealistic to think transfer fees will remain high as before. The club is also linked with a move for Jadon Sancho and therefore funds will be required. If Villa get relegated, United could get Grealish for a lower fee.
Value
Villa will be keen to get the desired value
Meanwhile, Villa will hope to get the desired value for Grealish. They will be eager to stand strong and demand the maximum for their primary asset. Last summer, United eventually agreed to pay £80m for Harry Maguire when Leicester City stood their ground. Villa will be in for a similar approach if such a scenario develops when the transfer window re-opens.