Transfer Rumors: Aston Villa Owner Raises Stakes To Ward Off Grealish Suitors

Aston Villa is aware that Manchester United has its sights on English midfielder Jack Grealish. Now, the Lions' team owner has raised its asking price for the 24-year-old player to £80 million ($103 million). This could alter any interest from the Red Devils or any other clubs planning to pluck Grealish away from Villa Park.

The interest in Grealish has been going on for quite some time. Fueling this is the fact that the 24-year-old captain has been one of the key reasons why Villa has been surviving the Premier League season. That included a goal in the club's last assignment against West Ham, which ended in a draw.

With the impact of Grealish obvious, team owner Nassef Sawiris wants to do everything to keep Grealish in the fold. The asking price is now raised to $103 million, The Times reported. This is roughly the same amount that the Red Devils paid to Leicester last year for Harry Maguire.

So far, United has yet to comment on the sudden spike in fees. But Villa will not let Grealish go easily. The club does not want to deal the English player away. Considering that most clubs are dealing with financial difficulties, the higher fee could thwart interest in Grealish for now.

Aside from United, Manchester City is another team linked to Grealish. Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the Englishman, but the high asking fee could also turn them off.

Grealish is under contract until 2023 and earns roughly $77,000 a week. If he moves out of Villa Park, there is a big chance he could at least double his wages. However, Lions management can save themselves the trouble if they give the English player an increase on their end.

However, former Red Devils striker Michael Owen said he believes that Grealish will make a push to move to Old Trafford. He revealed that the 24-year-old has his heart set on United even if the asking price was raised.

“I’m told he has his heart set on Manchester United. I’d be surprised if he went anywhere else,” Owen said to Premier League Productions.