The Aston Villa fans in the Transfer Tavern have been delighted by their club's progress so far this season, but they are concerned that they could be set to take a step backwards this summer by allowing Jack Grealish to leave the club. 

Steve Bruce's side look set to have a secured their play in the Championship play-offs this season, so they will have the opportunity to return to the top-flight after just a two year absence. Their failure to achieve promotion this season would be a huge disappointment for everybody involved with the club, and that feeling could be further compounded by the departure of Jack Grealish who could leave Villa Park if the club remain in the second-tier next season.

According to recent reports from The Daily Mirror, Villa's local-rivals Leicester City are interested in signing the 22-year-old attacking midfielder in a deal which could be worth £20 million. Grealish has previously been criticised for his antics away from the field and a perceived lack of commitment to his career, but he seems to have matured and turned a corner in his development this season.

He returned from a kidney problem in November 2017 and, after taking some time to settle into the rhythm of first-team football again, he has begun to realise his potential with a string of fine performances. Grealish has returned from injury both physically and technically stronger, and the quality of his performances have reflected that, especially in recent weeks.

Losing him to their local-rivals this summer would be bitter blow for Villa to take it would arguably represent their greatest disappointment since they were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2015/16 season. With that in mind, Villa should have an extra incentive to achieve promotion this season, as they will undoubtedly struggle to enjoy the same level of success without Grealish's presence within the first-team next season.

At just 22-years-old Grealish looks destined to have a bright future in English football, and if Villa want to achieve promotion in the future and cement their place in the top-flight once again, they must do everything in their power to keep him at Villa Park this summer.

Aston Villa fans - thoughts? Let us know below!