Pep Guardiola ‘targets Jack Grealish as centrepiece of his Manchester City rebuild’

Pep Guardiola has reportedly identified Aston Villa star Jack Grealish as a key target as part of his rebuild at Manchester City.

Guardiola is looking to strengthen City’s squad after he committed his future to the club by signing a new contract that is set to run until the summer of 2023.

England international Grealish has produced some excellent performances for Villa this campaign and is highly regarded at the Etihad Stadium, as reported by The Independent. 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has ‘identified Jack Grealish as a key transfer target’

Guardiola, who recently signed a new deal for City, has been hugely impressed by Grealish

Although Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Tottenham forward Harry Kane have been discussed as possible options, Grealish is seen by Guardiola as somebody who is capable of helping to reinvigorate City.  

The report states that Guardiola spoke to City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne about Grealish.

De Bruyne, who recently played against Grealish when Belgium faced England, is said to have described the 25-year-old as a player that City should try to sign.

Kevin De Bruyne, has urged City to sign Grealish, who he recently played against for Belgium

Securing a deal for Grealish will not be an easy task, however, with Villa set to demand a fee of more than £100million for their academy product.

Grealish, who was previously linked with a move to Manchester United, signed a new contract with Villa in September that is set to run until the summer of 2025.

This season Grealish has been playing with a lot of confidence and has been hugely impressive – he has scored four goals and provided six assists across eight Premier League appearances, while he has also made a major impact for England. 

City have struggled for consistency in the early stages of the Premier League season and are currently in 13th place with 12 points from eight games. 

Lionel Messi and Harry Kane were discussed as possible options but Guardiola ‘wants Grealish’