Manchester United almost signed key transfer target on the cheap

Ed Woodward, Manchester United. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Ed Woodward, Manchester United. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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One of Manchester United’s key summer transfer window targets almost signed for the Red Devils for pennies just a few years ago.

On late Sunday afternoon not for the first time, a captain led his boyhood club out onto the Wembley turf. Manchester United watched with piqued interest. The player in question, Jack Grealish has been courted by the Red Devils throughout the season.

He will hope he soon graces the famous turf in an England shirt too.

Jack Grealish played an important role in Aston Villa’s journey throughout the Carabao Cup, but on Sunday he was unable to prevent them from succumbing to a defeat in the final against Manchester City.

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Nonetheless, the midfielder showed just exactly why the Red Devils are so desperate to sign him. Jack Grealish has everything you could want from a midfield player.

The Aston Villa captain can dribble past defenders with ease, he has the pace to beat his opponents and he is able to find passes from anywhere on the pitch.

His exemplary striking technique makes him formidable in front of goal and Grealish has scored some outstanding goals this season, including a stunning strike at Old Trafford.

It is easy to see why Manchester United are so desperate to sign the midfielder. Jack Grealish has the potential to become a stupendous player for the Red Devils and a key part of the foundations Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is trying to establish in his attempt to rebuild the club.

However, recently it has come to light, that under different circumstances Jack Grealish could already be playing for United.

Almost 8 years ago in 2012, the Red Devils had a meeting with Jack Grealish over potentially recruiting him to Old Trafford. This is according to Alex McLeish who was the Aston Villa manager at the time.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror via the Daily Express, Alex McLeish said the following:

"“But the next month on the same day the first team were at Old Trafford, Jack and an agent were seen at Rio Ferdinand’s restaurant that night.”"

United’s attempts of course failed in the end and Jack Grealish ended up staying at Aston Villa.

However after spending a considerable time with his boyhood club, perhaps things will be different for Grealish when the Red Devils come calling again this summer.

This time the lure of Old Trafford and a new venture might just be too strong to turn down.

Next. The Red Devils are winning the race for this exciting talent. dark

What do you think, would Jack Grealish be a good signing for United?