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In an interview with Radio WM, Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow has laid down the club's aims to keep Jack Grealish this summer in what is one of his biggest signs of ambition since he joined the club last year.

What's the word?

The future of Grealish hasn't been too certain this term, even despite the skipper signing a new five-year deal towards the beginning of the season.

In recent months he's been the subject of reports claiming that both Tottenham and Crystal Palace have an interest.

However, after the Villans earned promotion to the Premier League earlier this week, there appears to be a greater sense of hope in keeping their star man.

Purslow, who arrived at Villa Park in August 2018, has now laid down a marker, displaying a monumental sign of the club's ambition. Speaking to Radio WM, he spoke about the future of Grealish, claiming he wouldn't be going anywhere.

“I have no interest in selling Jack Grealish. He will lead us into the Premier League."

Sign of intent

Considering he grew up a Villa fan, it would send out the completely wrong message if the club caved into bids for the creative midfielder during the off-season. As such, Purslow's comments are a huge sign of ambition as they now return to the top-flight.

The 23-year-old is someone the Villans can build the team around in the years to come and there will be no better place to do that than in the Premier League.

It's clear the club now have a greater sense of urgency and a far better approach when it comes to off-field matters.

Last summer they found themselves in financial trouble until Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris walked through the doors with their wealthy resources. As a result, Villa are now in an entirely different league, quite literally!

£170m has been added to the finance pot after winning at Wembley and the idea of even keeping Grealish would have been unthinkable last summer.

Therefore, for their CEO to come out and say what he has about their skipper, sends out a statement of intent to not only the Villa Park faithful but also the rest of the Premier League.

This is definitely one of the biggest displays of their aspiration yet.