Aston Villa were handed a British transfer record when Manchester City offered £100m to acquire the services of Jack Grealish.

The 27-year-old, who was a proud graduate from their academy, had captained his boyhood club to promotion from the Championship and security within the Premier League.

He was their poster boy and was impressed with his consistently dangerous performances off the left wing.

In total, the England international featured 213 times for the club whilst contributing to 32 goals and 43 assists.

Steven Gerrard could now look once again to his academy, as there might be a player brewing who could be the direct replacement for their former skipper.

Whilst Louis Barry might be the main name emerging from the youth setup, there could be another who might surpass even him.

Ben Broggio is a 15-year-old midfielder who is highly rated within the club and has featured twice for England U16s.

There is great expectation that the attacking midfielder can be their next true star and the fact that he has begun this season featuring for Villa's under-18s marks a huge step up.

One goal in his opening two games is also indicative of his faith he has in his own talent, which clearly he possesses in abundance.

BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece is one of many who also has high hopes for the youngster, and actually likened him to their recently departed hero.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said:

“Ben Broggio, is only 15 and plays for the England U16’s.

“He’s a bit of an attacking midfielder, a bit of a Jack Grealish type, dare I say it? Villa rave about him.”

Preece went on to label him a “big prospect”, concluding his praise.

Having seen Jacob Ramsey break into the first team more recently, there is clearly a pathway for youngsters to make the step up from youth football.

Also, the sale of Carney Chukwuemeka might provide hope that if he can develop at a similar rate, he will be given chances, and if not the club will be willing to see you depart.

If Broggio can have half the impact on the club that Grealish did, he will certainly be considered a success. He has taken to under-18s football well, so if he can continue this trajectory he will be destined for big things.