Michael Owen claims Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has his ‘heart set’ on joining Manchester United this summer.
Grealish, 24, played a pivotal role in keeping Villa in the Premier League this term by contributing nine goals and six assists.
United are keen on signing Grealish but Metro.co.uk revealed on Monday that the Red Devils are unwilling to pay Villa’s £75million valuation of the midfielder.
Villa’s squad have understandably been given time off after their gruelling season but Grealish is set to hold talks with the club’s hierarchy about his future once he returns.
The club’s survival could yet convince Grealish to stay for another season at Villa Park but Owen claims the midfielder has made up his mind on a move to Old Trafford.
Asked if Manchester United would be interested in Grealish, Owen replied: ‘I think he’s after Manchester United as well.
‘I’m told he has his heart set on Manchester United. I’d be surprised if he went anywhere else.’
Grealish was questioned about his future after Villa’s win against Arsenal last week as the game may have been his last at Villa Park in claret and blue.
‘I’m not too sure at the moment,’ said Grealish.
‘I have one aim and that’s to keep this club in the Premier League. This whole club, this whole fanbase knows where we belong.
‘That’s all I’m thinking about at the moment, keeping this club in the Premier League. Hopefully we can do that on Sunday’.
Villa’s survival means they’re able to demand in excess of £75m for Grealish, while United are only willing to pay around £45m with an additional £10m in add-ons.
United believe there will be a ‘market correction’ on player fees this summer and that Villa’s current asking price does not reflect that.
Nevertheless, Owen believes Villa are entitled to demand what they want for Grealish after their survival.
‘He’ll be more expensive now to possible suitors ,’ admitted Owen.
‘There is that tie now that it’s his team and they’re still in the Premier League – it would have been an easier decision if they went down.
‘You can’t have someone like that playing in the Championship. He’s a top player, he would suit an awful lot of teams; he’s exceptional.
‘People compare him to James Maddison and others like that but I think he’s head and shoulders above him. He can run with the ball well, score goals, he’s in double figures this season, he assists.
‘He’s actually much better out of possession and I think that’s where this season he has developed that side. He covers a lot of ground. He’s not one of those flashy players where you give him the ball and he turns it on, he actually works hard out of possession as well.’
MORE: Ryan Giggs reveals how many signings Manchester United need to catch Liverpool and Manchester City
