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Aston Villa star Jack Grealish has jokingly claimed that long-time admirers Manchester United do not need to sign him while talisman Bruno Fernandes remains at the club. Grealish has been
linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time after establishing himself as one of the Premier League's best attacking players since Villa gained promotion in 2019. United were said
to be keen on the 25-year-old during the summer transfer window, but promptly ended any plans to launch a bid after learning of Villa's £80million asking price. It seems likely that
Grealish would fetch a higher fee if the Red Devils were to go back in for his services at the end of the season, given his influential performances in the Premier League as of late. Since
the beginning of the campaign, the versatile forward has scored six goals and provided 12 assists, helping to keep Villa well clear of the drop zone and strengthening their hopes of an
impressive top-half finish. Grealish was recently asked to explain the United rumours in an interview with YouTuber and Red Devils supporter Harry Pinero. When quizzed on why he did not sign
for the club during pre-season, the Villa skipper laughed and replied: "You've got Bruno anyway!" JUST IN: MANCHESTER UNITED SET TO IGNORE SIR ALEX FERGUSON TRANSFER ADVICE
Grealish went on to offer further praise for the Portugal international, claiming that he is one of the most skilful players in the Premier League alongside Manchester City counterpart Kevin
de Bruyne. In response to Pinero's claim that the Villa hero boasts the best first touch in the division, he said: "That’s not true. I do some alright touches but you need to put
a bit of respect on Bruno and KDB." It remains to be seen whether Grealish will eventually leave the west Midlands outfit in order to pursue greatness with United. Although he is
undoubtedly among the Premier League's finest creators, Red Devils legend Paul Scholes has claimed that he cannot be considered a world-class player until he proves himself at a top
club. DON'T MISS "Don’t get me wrong, I love the player," Scholes told Optus Sport earlier this week. "But if he was doing this at Man United, Liverpool, City, one of the
top clubs, then he’d be up there, he’d possibly be top three [for Player Of The Year]. "There is no pressure on Villa. If he is at a top club then he needs to win every week. He needs
to leave Villa to prove that [he is a top player]. "It is all about him at Aston Villa. He needs to get out now to a club that need to win every week, there is pressure to deliver
trophies. "He is capable of doing it, but there will always be a doubt until you do it." Grealish is currently sidelined with a leg injury that has kept him out of action for Villa
since the goalless draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in mid-February. He is unlikely to feature against local rivals Wolves on Saturday evening but is said to be closing in on a return
to training. The forward was previously rewarded for his stellar Premier League form with an England call-up in September, impressing under Gareth Southgate in the number 10 role. He will be
confident of making the cut for Euro 2020 later this year, but faces a tough battle with the likes of Phil Foden and Mason Mount for a starting berth.