Aston Villa OFFERED Jack Grealish to Manchester United before selling him to Manchester City, it has been revealed.
The Athletic reports Villa opened talks with Real Madrid and United over Grealish because they preferred not to sell to Manchester City - before finally accepting the £100million man had set his heart on the Premier League champions.
City sealed the British record signing of the 25-year-old England star this week in an almighty statement of intent ahead of the new season.
Tentative talks were held with the Spanish giants but they were in no financial position to complete the deal and could only offer a player swap offer.
And though United do admire Grealish and would reportedly have considered a move next year, they too would only have been able to offer a swap deal.
They say that Villa, like many other Premier League clubs, are concerned about City's success - they have won three of the last four titles - and financial muscle, which is damaging the competition.
