Report: Aston Villa contacted Manchester United ahead of Jack Grealish sale

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Aston Villa made contact with both Manchester United and Real Madrid before Jack Grealish left the club to see if they would be interested in a deal for their talisman, according to The Athletic.

Grealish became the most expensive signing in British football history this week as he joined Manchester City for £100 million.

It was a move that many expected for much of the summer. The Athletic notes that Grealish was hoping to seal a switch to the Etihad Stadium before he was scheduled to return to training with Villa.

But it appears that the Villans had held out some hope that he would head elsewhere.

According to The Athletic, Villa held tentative talks with both Madrid and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men. They had been open to potential swap deals.

Interestingly, it is claimed that Villa are growing concerned that the Premier League is being damaged by City’s success and financial clout. The report states a number of clubs feel that way.

Unfortunately for the Villans, Manchester United was not a realistic option for this window. The Athletic has suggested that they were open to a deal next year.

Real Madrid move for Jack Grealish would have been ideal for Aston Villa amid Manchester United links

Of course, the perfect scenario would have seen Villa keep Grealish. He has been outstanding for several years.

And – in a frightening thought – he may only just be approaching his peak.

But with his departure likely, you can understand why Villa sought out Real Madrid.

Villa seem to have Champions League ambitions. They have been incredibly exciting so far this summer. But obviously, they are not set to come up against Los Blancos anytime soon.

So selling him to a club in another country would have been easier.

But clearly, Grealish was determined to join City.