According to reports, Manchester City are planning a big-money transfer splurge to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

What's the story?

Dean Smith's side have enjoyed a fine Premier League season thus far, but have hit a rocky road in recent weeks with their talisman out injured - they've managed just one win in the six league games that he has missed.

Now, The Daily Mail claim that both Grealish and Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Braut Haaland are top of Pep Guardiola's wish-list for this upcoming summer transfer window, and that the pair are expected to cost in excess of £200m.

The report adds that "interest in Grealish, 25, has accelerated over the past few weeks and there is hope a deal can be struck with Aston Villa despite his club's wealthy owners meaning they have no imperative to sell their skipper."

Dean Smith will be worried

Grealish being linked with a summer exit? It's familiar territory for anyone who's been following Villa over the past few seasons, with the England international being touted with moves to the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United.

But City's emergence onto the scene is truly a different kettle of fish given the seemingly bottomless sum of money they possess with their mega-rich owners, while the side's involvement in the Champions League and competing for Premier League titles will also no doubt be a sway for Grealish.

Dubbed "phenomenal" by former Villa man Kieran Richardson, the 5 foot 10 Grealish faces a pivotal summer decision in his future - stay at his boyhood club and help them continue to climb the table and reach new heights, or make the move to a title-chasing team financially backed for success?

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Reports of City being intent on signing Grealish this summer, even at a truly eye-watering price, will surely have Smith worried about finally losing his main man.

Meanwhile, Villa could strike gold by signing this Championship sensation...