Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly set his sights on a deal for Aston Villa's Jack Grealish in time for the Community Shield on August 7.
City have been pursuing the midfielder throughout the summer and talks continue to progress over a move that could see Grealish become the most expensive player in the history of British football.
An opening bid of £75m is believed to have been tabled by the Premier League champions, who are hopeful of signing the 25-year-old for less than £100m.
However, Aston Villa are keen to keep hold of their captain and are expected to offer him a new contract worth £150,000 per week.
90min suggests that Guardiola wants to have Grealish in his squad for the 2021-22 curtain raiser - the Community Shield against Leicester City at Wembley on August 7 - giving City just nine days to get a deal done.
Grealish is expected to return to Villa training next week after representing England at Euro 2020, where he featured in five of his country's seven games and registered two assists.
Olly Allen
