Gerrard could land Villa’s next Grealish by signing "controversial" 102-cap "legend" - opinion

Aston Villa‘s transfer business is currently in full swing, although there is still perhaps a nagging feeling that they are missing something, with the void vacated by former skipper Jack Grealish last summer having yet to be adequately filled.

The boyhood Villa man had proved instrumental in dragging the former European champions out of the second tier in 2019, before again stealing the limelight to help maintain their Premier League status the following season, netting a vital, final-day strike to ensure the club’s safety.

Another decisive season followed in the 2020/21 campaign as he bagged 16 goal contributions under then-boss Dean Smith, despite a lengthy absence that essentially put paid to any hopes of European qualification for the Midlands outfit.

Having held firm for so long, unwilling to part ways with their prized asset, a British record, £100m offer from Manchester City ultimately proved too good to ignore, with the Englishman becoming just another special talent in a squad full to the brim with quality.

Perhaps he misses his talismanic role at Villa Park, having somewhat blended into the background at the Etihad, although the 26-year-old’s decision has already resulted in silverware, as Pep Guardiola’s claimed a fourth league title in five seasons with a dramatic last day triumph against, ironically, Villa.

Jubilant scenes ensued for City – and in particular, Grealish – while Steven Gerrard’s side were left reflecting on a campaign that had ended with a whimper, the club languishing in 14th place despite spending over £100m throughout the campaign.

In the absence of their former leading man, there is no question that the club have faltered, with even the statement loan signing of Philippe Coutinho in