Premier League midfielder prefers Manchester United move over Real Madrid

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish would prefer to join Manchester United this summer despite interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, claims The Sun.

Grealish is expected to be one of the most in-demand midfielders at the end of the season after enjoying a sublime indivdual campaign for boyhood club Villa.

United have reportedly earmarked Grealish as their top transfer target for the summer ahead of Leicester ace James Maddison.

Villa will struggle to keep hold of Grealish regardless of whether they manage to beat the drop this season, with the 24-year-old reportedly open to leaving.

Despite shock interest from Barcelona and Madrid, it has now emerged Grealish would prefer a move to Old Trafford if he leaves Dean Smith's side at the end of the season.

Grealish, who is on the cusp of his first England call-up, has scored seven goals and registered five assists in the league this season.

Furthermore, Grealish is the most fouled player in Europe's top five leagues this term (111), accentuating a statistically calculated style of play of 'gets fouled often'.