Aston Villa will be sweating on the future of Jack Grealish, so they need to identify a replacement, just in case. They might have found just the man in Joe Aribo.

Obviously, Grealish has been the architect of the Villans' rise to the play-off final after his return from injury against Derby in March saw the club hit a rich vein of form just when it mattered. If established Premier League clubs come for him though (Tottenham and Crystal Palace have previously been linked), Villa could be helpless, should the Rams prevail.

Football League World have reported Villa are eying up a move for Joe Aribo who’s played 36 times for League One Charlton this season, despite being just 22-years-old. From central midfield, he’s scored nine goals and assisted five. Not bad for a young central midfielder, right? Indeed, he’s looking like a young (yes, we know) Jack Grealish.

He’s scored three more goals than the Villa man this season too, but yes, it’s in the division below. Clearly, it’d be a slight risk to bring him to the Premier League or the Championship next season, but with his contract up in the summer, he could join Villa for free.

Aribo can play right across the midfield and one the wings, just like Grealish. That’s been a key asset at Villa Park this season because it means Grealish has been able to make the most of attacks no matter where on the pitch he’s found space in.

Villa can stop worrying over their captain’s future if they secure Aribo’s signature this summer. It’s a deal the club need in order to continue their upward trajectory.

Villa fans, who do you want to see replace Jack Grealish if he leaves this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below...