Aston Villa have reportedly explored the possibility of bringing a familiar face back to Villa Park this summer as Unai Emery looks to replace the attacking quality lost following Morgan Rogers’ departure.
Villa received a club-record £117 million for the England international, providing a significant financial boost as the club continues to manage the impact of UEFA’s £19.5 million fine for breaching Squad Cost Ratio regulations.
Although the Rogers sale has strengthened Villa’s finances, Emery is still expected to be selective in the transfer market, and a loan move for a former fan favourite has emerged as a potential option.
Aston Villa discuss Jack Grealish return
According to The Sun, Aston Villa’s recruitment team have discussed the prospect of re-signing Jack Grealish from Manchester City.
The 30-year-old left Villa in a £100 million transfer in 2021, but his spell at the Etihad has failed to reach the heights many expected.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, contributing two goals and six assists before a foot injury in January brought his campaign to an early end.
The winger, who reportedly earns around £300,000 per week, has since recovered and has been training with RCD Mallorca during the summer. However, he was omitted from Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Seoul, fuelling further speculation over his future.
Everton remain interested in bringing him back permanently, meaning Villa could face competition should they decide to pursue a deal.
A product of Villa’s academy, Grealish made 213 appearances for the club across the Premier League and Championship before his record-breaking move to Manchester.
Bailey exit increases need for attacking reinforcements
Villa’s search for another wide player has become increasingly important as Leon Bailey edges closer to a permanent departure.
The Jamaica international spent the first half of last season on loan at Roma before returning to Villa in January, where he made 13 Premier League appearances during the remainder of the campaign.
Bailey has been left out of Villa’s pre-season squad as he closes in on a move to newly promoted Hull City, although neither club has officially confirmed the transfer.
Despite Villa’s reported interest, Grealish is attracting attention from several clubs. Everton remain keen, while Atlético Madrid are also monitoring his situation, and teams in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer are prepared to offer lucrative financial packages.
Should Manchester City decide another loan move is the preferred solution, Aston Villa could yet emerge as one of several clubs hoping to secure the services of their former captain ahead of the new season.
