MANCHESTER CITY want to smash the Premier League transfer record to sign Jack Grealish this summer, according to reports.
The Aston Villa captain, 25, is one of the hottest talents in English football.
Manchester United have been linked in recent times as they look to bolster their attacking options.
But with their focus on landing Jadon Sancho, City look set to swoop for Grealish.
According to The Telegraph, the Etihad club are prioritising Grealish over Harry Kane.
That is because negotiations for the Villa talisman would be ‘more straightforward’ than dealing with Tottenham chief Daniel Levy.
But any deal would likely see Grealish become the most expensive footballer bought by a British club.
The current record is held by Paul Pogba when United paid £89million to bring the Frenchman back to Old Trafford from Juventus in 2016.
City boss Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of the eight-cap England international.
In October after his side went up against Grealish, Guardiola said: “He’s incredible. A top player. I’m happy he stayed in the Championship to defend his club when he could have gone.
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“He’s a talented player who always creates something. An exceptional player but too expensive for Manchester!”
In the New Year, Guardiola added: “He’s an exceptional player, I didn’t know him before I came here, he was playing in the Championship. Honestly, an exceptional player.
“They have one of the best players in the league in Jack Grealish.”
Grealish contributed six goals and 12 assists in 26 league games this season, missing the other 12 through injury.
The playmaker returned in time for the end of the campaign and earned his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England Euros squad, coming on in the 0-0 draw with Scotland on Friday night.
The Villans skipper – also wanted by Chelsea – is under contract at Villa Park until 2025 but City will test his club’s resolve this summer with a reported £100m price tag on the academy graduate.
Dean Smith has already brought in Emi Buendia from Norwich before having a £25m bid for Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe rejected.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
