Pundits believe the transfer talk around Jack Grealish is affecting his form during Aston Villa's relegation battle.

Grealish, who knows his side's hopes of staying up rest on him more than any other player, continues to be linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

Tim Cahill, analysing the defeat to Chelsea for Sky Sports, questioned whether the rumours are getting to Villa's players.

"The fear for them as well is keeping some of their top players," he said. "Are their heads getting turned? Coming towards the end of the season, planning for the next, it does happen."

To which John Barnes admitted it could be having an impact on Villa's captain.

"You're talking about Jack Grealish which has been a talking point for a while," said Barnes. "This is not what you need when you're in a relegation dogfight, talking about losing players."