Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish ahead of the summer transfer window.
Grealish, 24, is said to be on a list of playmakers United are interested in signing, with James Maddison also being monitored.
And as reported by Manchester Evening News, the Reds have intensified their interest in Grealish and will aim to complete a move early in the summer window.
The report suggests United want to ‘execute’ deals for their transfer targets as early as this month so they can be announced as early as possible.
There are concerns that Grealish’s price could soar if he selected in Gareth Southgate’s England squad and stars at the European Championships.
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United need to be proactive rather than reactive in the transfer window and these reports about some potential efficient early business is encouraging.
Grealish has led his boyhood club’s survival charge this season and is expected to leave in the summer regardless of whether Dean Smith’s side can avoid relegation.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still needs creative options to complement new addition Bruno Fernandes and Grealish could fit his criteria perfectly.
He is a versatile player who can operate in an attacking midfield role or an inside left position, and boasts more quality on the ball than the likes of Andreas Pereira and Jesse Lingard.
We feel this a deal the Reds can realistically complete at the end of the season.