According to reports, Everton could be set to battle West Ham and Leicester for the signing of Jack Grealish.
What’s the story?
According to the Daily Mail, Everton, Leicester and West Ham are eyeing summer swoops for Aston Villa’s young star, after Steve Bruce’s side failed in their quest for promotion.
Grealish was Villa’s standout performer in the playoffs, and the Mail report claims the Midlands club need to “plug a £45m black hole to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions.”
With an ageing side, Grealish is by far the most sellable asset at Villa Park, and the three Premier League clubs are all “keeping a keen eye” on the situation.
Leicester could of course be hunting for a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who looks set to join Manchester City, while Everton and West Ham look to rebuild their squads under new managers.
Good move to Merseyside?
The most appealing aspect about Grealish is undoubtedly his versatility, as the 22 year-old can play on either wing, but has really excelled as a central midfielder this season.
The youngster’s direct dribbling and aggressive style make him a tough prospect in the middle of the park, and most of Villa’s dangerous situations this season have come from his driving runs in midfield.
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He has also showed he is a “big game player”, excelling in Villa’s playoff run despite their eventual heartbreak. After completing an incredible eight dribbles and picking up the winning assist against Middlesbrough, he was by far the Villans’ best player in their Wembley defeat to Fulham.
Villa fans absolutely adore the young midfielder, who took three goals and six assists from an injury hit season, which says a lot about his character. Most importantly, he would get the fans off their feet at Goodison, something that has been sorely lacking in recent years.
The Mail report claims Villa want more than £25m for the youngster, but with FFP regulations breathing down their neck, Everton could surely get that price down if they play it right, and it could prove to be a bargain for an exciting young Englishman in today’s market.
So, Everton fans, would you back a summer swoop for Grealish? Let us know by voting in the poll below…