Aston Villa will reportedly look to intensify contract talks with Jack Grealish at the start of next month as they hope to secure his long-term future.
The talented 22-year-old creative ace has emerged as a fundamental figure for Villa having come through the youth ranks, while overcoming some early problems in his career before developing and maturing into a top player.
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As Steve Bruce’s side chase promotion back to the Premier League again this season, he will undoubtedly play a crucial role in that push as Villa will also undoubtedly hope that he can lead them on their return to the top flight too.
In order for that to happen, they are eager to tie him down to a new contract, and The Mirror report that could happen next month after the transfer window closes for the rest of Europe on August 31.
Tottenham are specifically noted as being an interested party this past summer, but with the window already closed for English clubs, their hopes of signing Grealish are over for the time being at least.
Nevertheless, with Mirror suggesting that the playmaker could double his wages with his new deal to potentially earn around £40,000-a-week, it would appear as though he has the financial motivation to be persuaded to stay so now it’s about Villa matching his ambition on the pitch.
After the heartbreak of losing in the playoff final last season, Villa have started this year well as they remain unbeaten after their opening five games having collected nine points which leaves them in fourth place.
A run of three draws has been disappointing though with Grealish coming off at half-time at the weekend against Reading due to injury, and so he’ll be hoping to return to full fitness to feature against Sheffield United on Saturday to help get them back to winning ways.