Manchester United ‘agree terms’ for Jack Grealish

Manchester United want to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa, with contact already made between the club and players, according to reports in the media.

United have approached the 24-year-old playmaker about a proposed move and have already got as far as agreeing the outline of a deal with the player. Grealish had been linked with a move away from Aston Villa, but with the Premier League club battling to stay in the division, no deal could be agreed.

The move for Grealish also suggests an end in the interest for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison. Maddison is expected to sign a new contract to stay at the King Power Stadium, which will likely rule out a move for the foreseeable future.

Grealish is reported to have taken to house-hunting such is his desire to complete a move in the summer, and he has previously talked of enjoying Old Trafford and holding United in high regard.

He has yet to play for the England international side but is a likely candidate to go to Euro 2020 with Gareth Southgate and possible future colleagues Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Greenwood, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

A move for Grealish might depend on the sale of Paul Pogba. The French World Cup winner is out injured after an operation but is expected to be fit for the tail end of United’s season, and he may wish to use the remaining games as a chance to get back his match sharpness.

Other reports in the media speculate that United are now willing to let Pogba go for £150 million, a reduction on his previous £180 million price tag. That would allow United an extensive rebuild given Odion Ighalo is likely to depart at the end of his six-month loan deal - the Nigerian striker may feature in United’s next game against Chelsea.