Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is backing Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish to leave the Midlands club if they are relegated from the Premier League this season.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months, with some reports even claiming that the Red Devils have already contacted Villa about a potential transfer.

However, Merson believes that as Grealish is a committed Villan, he is only certain to leave if his team drop back down into the Championship:

“I would say 100% [Grealish will leave]. If Villa go down then I think they will get rid of Jack and he will be sold. He’s a Villa man through and through, he loves Aston Villa.

“But he will have to move on, there is no doubt about that if he wants to better himself. It’s horrible saying that, better yourself, because it’s a great club, but he will have to play in the Premier League.”

The playmaker’s price tag is said to be close to £70m but that may change in light of the current financial climate. It may also depend on what division Villa are playing in.

Grealish has certainly impressed in the Premier League this season, having scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 31 appearances, but it remains to be seen whether United will firm up their interest in the player.