ASTON VILLA MANAGER Tim Sherwood says no amount of money could prize highly-regarded academy graduate Jack Grealish away from the club – not even as much as £60 million.
Grealish, who has become a key figure in Sherwood’s plans after breaking into the first team last season, has started the season brightly after inspiring Villa past rivals Birmingham City in the League Cup midweek.
The 20-year-old midfielder is also at the centre of a tug-of-war between England and Ireland for his international services, yet Sherwood believes his club future lies firmly in one place.
He said: “I wouldn’t want to sell for £60million today, put it that way. I know what he could possibly be. What looks expensive this year might not be expensive next year. That’s the way the game is going.
“He’s not shop window job, he’s our player, and we couldn’t put a price on him. I certainly wouldn’t.”
Villa travel to Liverpool today as they look to end a run of five league games without a victory.
Grealish shone in a 2-1 victory over the Reds when the two sides met in the semi-final of the FA Cup last April, proving to Sherwood he can handle big occasions, yet he insists he is still developing as a player.
“He’s a great player is Jack, but he’s got to realise – I’ve been on at him every day – there is more to the game than just when you’re in possession,” he continued.
“That Liverpool game was huge with a lot of expectancy and pressure, it didn’t faze him, he grew more. He is certainly a type of player we have seen at the very top level for the likes of Liverpool and in the past for Aston Villa, we have to recognise that.”
