Former Manchester City star Michael Ball has told The Transfer Tavern that Aston Villa star Jack Grealish would go up a level as a player if he moves to the Etihad Stadium.

Grealish has been in exceptional form for Villa this season, scoring six goals and registering 12 assists in 22 league games.

The 25-year-old has, unfortunately, been out with a shin injury since February, a run of games in which Villa have won just twice, against Leeds United and Fulham.

Grealish has been linked with City, as The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Villa are already identifying potential replacements for the England international.

They are said to be considering a bid for Norwich City star Todd Cantwell, as they expect a £100m offer for Grealish from Pep Guardiola’s side.

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Ball thinks that he would only get better if he did make the move to the Etihad Stadium and has backed him to do just that if an offer is tabled this summer.

Speaking exclusively to TT, he said: “I think so, I think it’d be a great move for Jack.

“Personally for Jack, he’d be coming to a team full of winners, full of players who’ve done it, under a manager who will demand a lot from Jack.

“Jack is a key, key player for Villa but Villa don’t have that pressure to win week in and week out.

“Yes, they’re going out to try and win football games but I don’t think Pep would demand a six out of 10 performance from any of his players. And you have the squad that could push Jack to the level that he wants to be at.”