Manchester City are reportedly at the head of the queue to sign Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish this summer.
The 25-year-old extended his contract at Villa Park as recently as last summer following serious interest from Manchester United, and his existing deal with Dean Smith's side is not due to expire until 2025.
However, that has not deterred top sides from entering the race to sign Grealish, who would supposedly command a nine-figure sum if he were to leave his boyhood club this summer.
According to the Daily Mail, Man United's bitter rivals Man City have now stolen a march in the race for Grealish and are leading the way ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with the player himself excited at the prospect of playing under Pep Guardiola.
The report also adds that Villa would still be reluctant to let their captain leave, but if any suitor is willing to stump up their £100m asking price, they will allow the attacker to fulfil his ambitions of Champions League football elsewhere.
Grealish has scored six goals and assisted 12 more in the Premier League this term - only Harry Kane has set up his teammates more times in the 2020-21 season.
Ben Knapton
