Manchester City are aware of the release clause in Jack Grealish’s Aston Villa contract. 

That’s according to a recruitment source, as reported by Football Insider, who claim that City have been exploring the costs of a potential summer switch after making the attacking midfielder their top target.

Grealish tells friends he's keen on City move

The report adds that Pep Guardiola’s side are now laying the groundwork over a deal and are ready to pay a huge fee for the 25-year-old. 

Grealish, who recently told his friends that he would be open to a move to the Etihad, signed a new deal at Villa Park back in September through to 2025

It remains to be seen exactly how much Grealish’s release clause is, but it appears to be a bigger fee than the one in his previous contract

Transfer Tavern take

With Grealish still having over four years remaining on his contract, we feel Villa are under no pressure to sell at any price below his release clause. 

However, with City now aware of his release clause, you’d expect them to have the financial power to activate a move over the coming months. 

Should Grealish depart, the club would then need to find some proven quality to replace the club captain in the final third, but they would certainly have the funds to do it.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Villa will look to sign two wide forwards over the summer, and if Grealish leaves, they could be needing more than that ahead of the 2021/22 season. 

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz as Abraham transfer comments come to light, find out more here