Manchester City are plotting a move for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
Grealish signed a new five year contract on the eve of the season after City's neighbours Manchester United failed to come up with the cash to prise him away.
Villa valued their captain at around £100million last summer and he has kicked on since, as has the club. As such Villa are hopeful of keeping hold of the midfielder.
The Daily Mail says City boss Pep Guardiola has previously described Grealish as "an exceptional player" and is a confirmed admirer, while Grealish himself is understood to be excited at the prospect of linking up with such a multi-talented squad.
He even spoke candidly recently about how he revered Kevin de Bruyne as the best player in the Premier League.
The move would come as a blow to United who have already warned against expectation of them shelling out huge fees this summer.