Grealish reveals he was ‘really close’ to Man Utd move

All eyes will be on Villa Park on Thursday, as Jack Grealish returns to his boyhood club for the first time since completing a £100 million move to Manchester City over the summer. 

The England international made the switch after years of speculation linking him with a move away from the club, and has since endured a stuttering start to life at the reigning Premier League champions.

After 15 appearances for his new side, the Englishman has only scored two goals, and he is yet to recreate the form he demonstrated at Villa that tempted Pep Guardiola to splash £100 million on him.

Now, the 26-year-old has been discussing his return to Villa, as well as his first few months in Manchester.

Most surprisingly, the forward revealed that he was close to joining City’s bitter rivals Manchester United last year.

Grealish has scored twice for Man City since his British record transfer.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Grealish explained how he was close to joining the Red Devils.

“I was really close to going, but nothing happened in the end,” he said.

He also explained how he decided to sign a contract extension with Villa when the proposed move to United fell through, as it was a ‘win-win’ for both parties.

“We all agreed on the clause and if any team hit that, it’s a win-win because it means I’ve had an unbelievable season and Villa got £100 million.”

The winger also admitted that he had found playing for City harder than he had first anticipated, but that he enjoys being a £100 million player.

City face Villa on Wednesday hoping to keep the pressure on league leaders Chelsea, before hosting Watford on Saturday.