‘Grealish will cost a hell of a lot’

Whether Aston Villa get promoted to Premier League or stay in Championship, Jack Grealish will have a lot of suitors. Villa manager Dean Smith shares that view of his star player.

“He loves Aston Villa and he’ll want nothing more than to get promoted with Aston Villa,” Smith said. “If we don’t go up he’ll cost someone a hell of a lot of money if they want to buy him. For me he is committed to Aston Villa and we’ve not even spoken about it otherwise.”

“Jack has been normal throughout,” he said. “It is not about one person or pressure, it’s about the team. If players perform as a team you have more chance. Yes, Jack Grealish has got that little bit of brilliance but so have the others. Talking to Jack, he knows that. He has relished being the captain of Aston Villa and is looking forward to the game and hopefully getting that win.”

Tottenham were already rumoured to be interested in him and it looks like plenty of clubs will be looking at what happens on Monday when Villa meet Derby County.