Manchester United are ready to step up their interest in Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish before the end of the month, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The Red Devils prefer to make moves for their summer targets in February and they have reportedly already contacted the Villans about signing the 24-year-old.

The main reason behind going after Grealish now is that they believe that the attacking midfielder’s price could rise significantly if he takes part in the European Championships with England.

The Villa captain has been in excellent form, having scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 29 appearances this season, and there is every chance he could make Gareth Southgate’s squad for this summer’s tournament.

United are said to be unsure whether reports about Grealish’s £45m release clause are true so they are being proactive about sealing a deal for a lower price.

MEN report that Villa would be open to selling the midfielder for a “suitable offer” even if the Midlands club don’t get relegated so getting the transfer done as soon as possible seems like a sensible decision to make.