Manchester City will consider making a move for Jack Grealish as a summer target if they receive their asking price from Bayern for Leroy Sane.
Grealish is expected to be the subject of bids when the Premier League campaign ends, with Manchester United also monitoring his situation with Aston Villa as they battle to avoid relegation.
Guardiola is a huge admirer of Grealish, describing him as “one of the best players in the league” before playing Villa in the League Cup final this campaign. “I’m a big fan of him,” said the former Barca boss.
Guardiola has said he is not looking for a direct replacement for Sane as a left-sided forward but Grealish is seen as a player who can operate in midfield and as an attacker.
The Villa attacker will also boost the homegrown quota of players for Premier League teams.
Sane has already made it clear he wants to leave the club for Bundesliga champions Bayern and has refused to sign a new deal, meaning he could leave at the end of next campaign on a free.
- Barcelona star set to join Man Utd after confirming exit on Instagram
- ‘Useless’ Arsenal players David Luiz & Mustafi mocked by Agbonlahor
Bayern’s valuation of £35m is considered absurd by City, who would rather let Sane leave for free than accept a deal below his market value. An eventual transfer is expected to rise beyond £50 million.
City might make a move for Grealish if that deal can be struck for Sane with Bayern. Guardiola will also lose David Silva at the end of the seaeon and defence is also an area that needs improvement.
United have been long-term admirers of Grealish, who saw a £25m transfer move to Tottenham collapse two years ago. He has since helped Villa gain Premier League promotion and has given them a chance of survival.
Solskjaer looked at homegrown talent last summer wimdow when he signed Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, and Grealish fits the profile as a player with potential to fill rather than a huge signing.
