Manchester City will battle Manchester United for Jack Grealish this summer, if Bayern Munich are willing to match their asking price for winger Leroy Sane.
Grealish has long been the subject of interest from United, with the Red Devils known for preferred moves this summer for the Villa midfielder, Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Birmingham’s Jude Bellingham. However, they may have to fight off cross-town interest in the transfer market.
Sane has rejected the offer of a new deal at City and has just 12 months left on his contract at the Etihad, with this summer the club’s last chance to cash in on the Germany international. A move to Bayern Munich has been Sane’s priority for some time.
City are still holding out over £50m for Sane despite Bayern’s reported reluctance to pay through the ceiling for the winger.
According to the Telegraph, if Bayern meet City’s asking price, Grealish will ‘come into City’s thinking’.
The city has a creative void to fill over the summer. Along with Sane, the club is set to lose player and club legend David Silva. Grealish has shown his ability to operate on the left and centrally for Aston Villa throughout the campaign.
However contrary to the Telegraph, according to the Mirror, United are ‘getting close’ to signing Grealish after he recently told friends he had found a house to buy in the North West.
Grealish has shone for Villa this season / Pool / Getty Images
Villa are believed to be demanding £80m for their captain – but that figure could drop if they suffer the drop.
Dean Smith’s side are second in the Premier League, but only goal difference currently separates them from safety.
City boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the midfielder, having consistently praised Grealish throughout the season.
After the Citizens’ 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in October, Guardiola described Grealish as ‘unbelievable’. A top player’, before describing him as ‘one of the best players in the league’ in January.
Pep Guardiola’s side are linked with Jack Grealish and Dwight McNeil/Pool/Getty Images
As well as Grealish, there are also reports that City could also look for Burnley’s Dwight McNeill to replace Sane this summer.
However, as recently as last week, Guardiola hinted that a direct replacement for the German may not be sought.
He said: Gabriel [Jesus] Can play on the left, Phil Foden can play on the left, we have Raheem. [Sterling] there.
“We have big, talented players up front. Most of them are in good shape and healthy.”