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News
Rumoured new contract for Jack Grealish shows Aston Villa’s ambition
Jack Grealish could be set to sign an improved contract at Aston Villa as the club look to protect their star asset, according to the .
The deal will include a bumper release clause of £60 million, which will be designed to put off the likes of Tottenham. The report goes on to say that Spurs remain interested in the 23-year-old midfielder.
It has been a mixed start to the season for Aston Villa as they find themselves in the bottom half of the table. The pressure is building on Steve Bruce, but the rumoured new contract for Grealish underlines the ambition that the new owners are planning to show. It remains early in the season and the Birmingham-based club are only five points off the top of the table.
There is an opportunity for the club to challenge for promotion this season and a new deal for their star player would create positive momentum. It has become obvious that Grealish is too good for this division, with England assistant manager Steve Holland paying a visit to monitor the midfielder in recent weeks.
It hasn’t been a vintage start from Grealish, as he has only one assist to his name. However, his underlying numbers indicate that there are better times to come. He is averaging 2.2 shots, 2.2 key passes and 2.2 dribbles per game.
Meanwhile, he has been fouled an average of 4.7 times per game. This emphasises how dangerous opposition teams deem him to be, as they have plans to unsettle the 23-year-old. His lack of goals and assists may be a consequence of this, but it is down to Grealish to rise above the treatment he is receiving.
This is going to be a fascinating season for the attacking midfielder, as he is undoubtedly the star man for a club with high expectations. The new contract will symbolise this. Grealish must now deliver on a consistent basis and spearhead a promotion challenge.
Aston Villa supporters will be wary of the importance of a new contract, as they have been stung in the past. at the club in 2015 and left for Manchester City months later. There will be fear that a similar situation could evolve with Grealish, but in theory, this will be an ambitious move by the club.