Man City sign Jack Grealish for £100m

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa after triggering the £100m release clause in his contract, with the midfielder signing a six-year contract.

Speculation has surrounded Grealish throughout the summer despite only signing a new contract at Villa Park last year. He featured for England during their run to the final at Euro 2020, contributing two assists.

Grealish wants to take the next step in his career and start challenging for titles. With City the dominant force in the Premier League - having won three of the last four top flight titles on offer - the 25-year-old will get the chance to fill up his trophy cabinet.

City have now confirmed the deal, which is a new record fee for an English player, eclipsing Manchester United's £78m move for Harry Maguire.

In the club statement Grealish said: “I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City. City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.

“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe. To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want.

“The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing.”

It's the first major piece of incoming business from City this summer, and they are expected to push for Grealish's England teammate Harry Kane until the end of the window.

The Tottenham striker has failed to report for pre-season training as he pushes for a move to the Premier League champions and is now set to miss the clash between Spurs and City on the opening weekend of the league season.

Kane believes he has a gentleman's agreement with chairman Daniel Levy that should allow him to leave this summer, but Spurs remain adamant he is not for sale and are determined to keep him for the 2021/22 campaign.

As for Villa, Dean Smith has wasted no time in boosting his attacking options. Wednesday saw the Villans complete a shock move for Danny Ings, while Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey have been brought in. Norwich's Todd Cantwell has also been tipped to move to Villa Park as a replacement for Grealish.

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