'He's ready' - Lee Sharpe would 'love' Aston Villa star to sign for Manchester United this summer

Jack Grealish of Aston Villa. (Photo by Carl Recine - Pool/Getty Images)

Former Manchester United midfielder Lee Sharpe has admitted that he would “love” to see Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish sign for his old club.

The 25-year-old playmaker has been a standout performer for Dean Smith’s men this term, despite missing a significant portion of the campaign through injury.

Grealish made a long-awaited return to action in Thursday night's 0-0 draw against Everton, and speculation continues to mount over a potential exit from his beloved Villa this summer.

Man United are one of a host of sides who have been linked with the England international in recent months, and speaking to Genting Bet, Sharpe admitted that he would like to see the player make a move to the north west – despite his own personal allegiances to Villa.

He said: “Well, I’m a Villa fan, I absolutely love Jack Grealish – I think Jack Grealish is probably one of the best players in the league at the moment.

"And I would say - if I had a choice - I would go and sign Jack Grealish instead of Jadon Sancho – but that depends on the formation and how you’re going to fit Jack Grealish into the team.

"Is Jack Grealish a wide player in a three? Is he a number 10? In which case you’re probably going to have to leave out Bruno for him, which I’m not sure the manager or the club will want to do.

“But I absolutely love Jack Grealish, and I would love to see him at Manchester United, I think he would become an even better player, with even better players around him, and that consistency level in training.

"I think John Terry has been amazing for him at Villa, setting standards in training, and in games for him. He’s grown this season so much as a player.

"As much as I’d hate to see him leave Villa - I think he’s ready for the next step.”

Grealish was sidelined with a shin injury for 12 matches prior to making his comeback against the Toffees on Thursday, but even with his extended period of absence, the midfielder has registered six goals and 12 assists in 23 Premier League outings this term.