Jack Grealish return: Aston Villa transfer stance mooted as £30m update emerges

Darren Bent believes Aston Villa fans would welcome Jack Grealish back "in a heartbeat" as his struggles continue at Manchester City.

The 29-year-old was berated by the majority of Villa Park when Man City travelled to the Midlands last month, losing 2-1 to Unai Emery's side, actions which were defended by Scott Minto.

Grealish has started just 16 Premier League games over the last two seasons, seemingly slipping down Pep Guardiola's pecking order, leading to speculation swirling around his future at the Etihad.

Speaking live via talkSPORT [6 January, 6:25pm], Andy Goldstein questioned whether Man City would let him go for £60million, to which Bent replied: "Half maybe? He needs to get back to playing football week in, week out.

"I'd like to see him go back to Villa, that's his home. I know the supporters were quite hurt by the way he left, even though he wanted to join Man City to better himself, but going back to Villa...

"They'd have him back. Even those on the fence, once he puts in one or two performances, they'd have him back in a heartbeat."

Jack Grealish return to Aston Villa on the cards?

Many fans outside of Man City feel Grealish has become far more robotic, fitting Guardiola's system rather than being the creative force he once was at Villa Park.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the winger has just three goals and two assists to his name, dipping far below what has come to be expected of him in his title-winning team.

It remains to be seen whether Emery would sanction a transfer for the former Villa legend, who fans now boo instead of cheer, though he could be a good addition to the current forward line.

The Villans have really struggled with injuries this season, with Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey, and Boubacar Kamara all spending time on the sidelines, not to mention their defensive absentees.

A new defender seems to be the most sensible acquisition during the January transfer window, but if a move were to open up for Grealish to return home, it is difficult to see either party turning that down.

In other Aston Villa news, Clinton Morrison has stated whether the Villans will sell one of their strikers.

For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.