The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has delivered a fresh update on the future of Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish.

What's the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, he said:

In the accompanying article, Preece added: "Grealish is rightly having some much-needed time off after the Euros with his future to be ironed out once and for all when he returns. Villa expect to have clarity on Grealish's future before the month's out.

"BirminghamLive has been told how Grealish is still expected to sign a new deal but, again, a lot can change. Ultimately, and the bottom line is this: it'll be Grealish's decision should City go in strong for him which they're yet to do. There's been no bid while CEO Christian Purslow has always denied that there's a buy-out clause in Grealish's £125,000-a-week contract which he signed 10 months ago.

"Club insiders both at Villa and City have gone quiet over Grealish's future, with both clubs keeping their cards close to their chests. BirminghamLive has been told, though, that City must sell off first-team players if they're to fund a British transfer record and, until that happens, then deals for Kane and/or Grealish appear unlikely."

Fans will love it

Make no mistake about it, Grealish staying at Villa Park this summer would be the biggest and best piece of business Dean Smith's side could do, regardless of any new high-profile signings.

The Villa captain showed once again in Euro 2020 with England the kind of top talent that he is, including an impressive game-changing display against Germany in the last 16 when he had a hand in both of the Three Lions' goals.

Preece's update that the expectation is that Grealish will put pen to paper on a new contract, and that City will need to sell players first before making a move for the likes of the Villa man and Spurs' Harry Kane, is one which will surely delight the Midlands club's supporters.

Meanwhile, a new update has emerged on Villa's pursuit of Julian Alvarez...