Manchester United are reportedly willing to wait until next summer to move for Jack Grealish in the hope that his asking price will drop should Aston Villa be relegated from the Premier League.
The 24-year-old has been one of Villa's standout performers this season despite Dean Smith's side sitting in the bottom three, contributing five goals and five assists in his 18 league appearances.
Grealish's form has thrust him into contention for a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of Euro 2020, while also earning him links to some of the league's biggest clubs.
The Telegraph reports that United are among the interested parties but will not try to sign him in January due to Villa's reluctance to let their skipper leave midway through the season.
Instead, the Red Devils reportedly hope that relegation will force Villa to lower their demands, having accepted last season that they would have to sell the homegrown talent had they not achieved promotion to the top flight.
Grealish recently admitted that Old Trafford was his favourite stadium in the Premier League after scoring there in a 2-2 draw at the start of December.
United's list of midfield targets is also thought to include Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen, who is out of contract at the end of the season.