Jack Grealish Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
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Smith admits Grealish ‘wants to play at highest level’ amid growing Man Utd links

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has admitted that Jack Grealish is keen to play ‘at the highest level’, amid growing speculation linking him with a potential move to Manchester United.

The Birmingham born playmaker has enjoyed a fine season back in the Premier League, scoring seven goals and providing six assists, despite Aston Villa’s precarious position towards the foot of the table.

Grealish’s form has seen him strongly linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months, with reports earlier this week suggesting the Old Trafford outfit would step up their pursuit of the playmaker in hope of striking a deal before the end of the season.

With Aston Villa in action in this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Man City, the Midlands club have slipped into Premier League’s bottom three, and Dean Smith has discussed the talented playmakers future, admitting their top-flight survival is key to keeping the 24-year-old at the club.

“He wants to play at the highest level and he wants to win trophies,” said Smith at his pre-match press conference.

“We have to work hard on Sunday to win that trophy. But staying in this league is one of the biggest things to help us keep him.

“Jack’s future is down to what happens over the next three months.”

Not only would a Wembley win hand Aston Villa their first major piece of silverware since 1996, it would also give them a route into the Europa League qualifying rounds.

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