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Pep Guardiola will move closer to having his dream Manchester City team if the club confirms the signing of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish. England star Grealish, who is on international duty at Euro 2020, is reportedly close to a huge £100million move to the Premier League champions.
The 25-year-old has spent his entire career at Villa – aside from time on loan at Notts County in 2013 – but appears set to depart his boyhood club.
Grealish scored six league goals and provided a further 12 assists last term despite missing nearly two months with a knee injury.
Man City boss Guardiola is keen to further improve his squad despite finishing 12 points above top-flight runners-up and rivals Manchester United.
The Red Devils, alongside Chelsea and Liverpool, will likely heavily strengthen their ranks to try to catch up with City.
Losing the Champions League final against Chelsea has likely convinced Guardiola that he must improve his options to finally win Europe’s top prize.
JUST IN: Manchester City ‘close to signing Jack Grealish from Aston Villa’
Kane, albeit a striker, is known to enjoy dropping deep and making passes. The England captain often played as an attacking midfielder while coming through Spurs’ academy.
Phil Foden has played in wide positions under Guardiola despite being recognised as more of a midfielder.
Guardiola’s full-backs are comfortable on the ball. The 50-year-old converted Oleksandr Zinchenko from a central midfielder into a left-back. Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are excellent in possession.
Even goalkeeper Ederson is famous for his varied range of passes.
TalkSPORT claim that Grealish is closing in on a British record transfer to City, who next season will try to win their fourth title in their previous six campaigns.
“I like players with the ability to keep the ball, it is one of the biggest principles I look for,” Guardiola said in April.
“The ball is the best way to defend and people have to keep the ball in difficult circumstances.
“In all my career, I have played with a lot of midfield players.
“I have the feeling that you can play better with this, but at the same time we need everyone.
“Gabriel was so important this season, and I’m not going to talk about how important Kun (Sergio Auguero) has been and was in the past.
“Unfortunately, he was injured most of the last year but now he is fit again.
“Raheem again – everyone is important but I have to admit that the players know I like it when they keep the ball and after we see what I produce with that.”
And if Grealish joins, it looks like Guardiola’s dream will be a reality.
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