Aston Villa intend on keeping hold of Jack Grealish and rebuffing any potential approaches for him during the January transfer window, despite clubs like Man Utd and Man City holding an interest in the player.

The Villa captain signed a new contract with the club last summer after they retained their Premier League status and has enjoyed another stellar season so far, managing six goals and nine assists in all competitions so far.

Manchester United and Manchester City were said to be interested in pursuing him last summer but opted against the move and the Villans are set to remain vigilant by passing up on any offers this month, according to the Daily Mail.

The club spent big following their last-ditch Premier League survival and now find themselves in contention for European qualification as a result, thus owners Nassed Sawiris and Wes Edens have no interest in undoing such work by letting go of Grealish.

The Red Devils opted to sign the more cost-effective Donny van de Beek from Ajax in summer for just £40m when Grealish’s price understandably soared following Villa’s survival. The Athletic report that City are still keeping tabs on the 25-year-old as are United, who could move depending on what happens with Paul Pogba’s future, and Villa’s financial demands.

Grealish is topping the charts in the Premier League for chances created and big chances created and can operate both wide and centrally. While the immediate concern is where the Red Devils would find room for him in the XI considering Van de Beek has managed just two starts in the Premier League so far, there’s no denying the creative flair he would bring to Old Trafford.

United still lack a right-sided attacker having failed to land Jadon Sancho last summer, but are welcoming Amad Diallo to the club this month, and also have Facundo Pellistri plying his trade in the under-23s. The pair have plenty to learn at just 18 and 19 respectively, though, and might not be the answer in the short-term.