Dean Smith: Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish will not be sold in January
Dean Smith has told Jack Grealish’s suitors they can “look but not touch” after declaring Villa’s skipper will not be sold this month.
Manchester United are among several clubs thought to be monitoring Grealish, who is enjoying a fine first season back in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old scored his sixth goal of the campaign in Villa’s 2-1 win over Burnley and has already found the net more times than in any other single season.
But while Smith can completely understand why his exploits have caught the eye of other clubs, he insists Villa are in no mood to let go of their prized asset.
“I think he’s a big target for many teams and you can see why,” said Smith.
“He’s having his record goal-scoring season. He’s a top player and I’ve waxed lyrical about him very often.
“But as I’ve said before our owners are very ambitious in establishing us as a top Premier League football club and to do that you have to keep your best players.
“So we’ll be keeping hold of Jack Grealish. People can keep looking but they can’t touch.
“We want to keep our best players and he's obviously proving he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.”
Grealish, still awaiting his first senior international call-up, has been involved in more top flight goals than any other English midfielder this term.
Asked if a Three Lions call-up was now close to a certainty, Smith replied: “That’s a question for Gareth Southgate and his staff. You know my feelings on it already, he’s an exceptional talent and he’s proving it in the Premier League.
“He can grow and still get better. He knows that and he wants to get better. That’s what I like about him, he’s always pushing me and my coaching staff.”
