UNITED KEEPING TABS ON £100M GREALISH
MANCHESTER UNITED are still interested in signing Jack Grealish despite the collapse of his move from Aston Villa in September. Grealish captains Villa at Old Trafford tonight but could have been lining up for United if they had agreed to pay the £100million asking price. United are among a number of top European clubs weighing up a bid for Grealish in the summer, although the transfer fee is likely to have gone up.
United refused to pay more than £65m and then pulled out of the deal in September due to the financial impact of the pandemic, having already spent £40m on Donny van de Beek. Grealish, who had told friends he was on his way to
tonight’s game. ‘I don’t want to say too much about other teams’ players but of course he’s a player we know we have to look for,’ said Solskjaer of Grealish (below). ‘He has only improved. The goal he scored (against United) last season was a brilliant goal and we’ve faced him enough times to know it’s going to be a difficult game.’ United striker Edinson Cavani has been banned for three matches and fined £100,000 for using the word negrito in a social media post in November. Cavani, who must also complete an education programme, chose not to contest the FA misconduct charge and will miss the Villa game, the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City and FA Cup clash with Watford. United said in a statement: ‘As he has stated, Edinson Cavani wasn’t aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologised.
‘Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank you to a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge out of respect for, and solidarity with, the FA and the fight against racism in football.’
Meanwhile, United and Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixtures — which were postponed due to their participation in the latter stages of last season’s Europa and Champions League — have been rescheduled for later this month. United’s trip to Burnley will be live on Sky Sports on January 12, while BT Sport will show City v Aston Villa on January 20.