Jack Grealish's big-money move to Manchester City is edging ever closer, after the Aston Villa captain agreed personal terms over a 'huge contract' with the Premier League champions.
The 25-year-old looks set to leave his boyhood club this summer, after capturing the nation's hearts with a series of dazzling displays since Villa's return to the top flight in 2019. And in starring during his time in the Premier League, he has also caught the eye of Pep Guardiola.
Man City have made signing Grealish a priority for the summer transfer window, and are working on a deal which could come to a total north of £100m. And the Citizens are confident they'll get their man, particularly after the latest set of developments.
According to Football Insider, Grealish's switch to the Etihad has never been closer, after the superstar 'agreed personal terms' over a 'huge contract' with the current Premier League champions.
This will be seen as a major breakthrough for Man City, but there is a long way to go before this deal is finalised. Aston Villa must first accept a bid for their captain, and given that he currently boasts a contract that runs until the summer of 2025, they are in no rush to sell their talisman.
A further complication for City is Grealish's deep connection to his boyhood club. The creative forward will not force a move away from Villa, so as not to ruin the immaculate relationship he shares with his supporters.
Grealish is worshipped at Villa Park, having guided them back to the Premier League, secured their status in the top flight, and then fired them to a mid-table finish last year. He has wowed supporters with his trickery, putting in one of the best individual displays of the season in a 7-2 demolition of then-champions Liverpool.
Villa are also hopeful that their superstar will reject a move to the champions this summer, and are working to offer him a new bumper contract in an attempt to convince him to stay.
Despite his loyalty to the club, however, Man City believe it's more likely than not for a deal to be agreed with the Villans, who have already purchased a similar attacking player in the shape of Emi Buendia from Norwich City.
Source : 90min