Manchester United 'view Jack Grealish as Juan Mata replacement'

Manchester United reportedly view Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish as the ideal long-term successor to Juan Mata.

The Red Devils are believed to have stepped up their interest in the England international after suffering a blow in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.

According to The Mirror, United are prepared to offer Grealish wages of £150,000 in the hope of getting a deal over the line for a player they see as a replacement for Mata.

Grealish has seven goals and six assists in the Premier League this term and also played a big part in Villa's run to the EFL Cup final, where they lost to Manchester City in March.

Mata, by comparison, has played a direct part in just one goal across his 17 top-flight outings this term.

The Spanish midfielder has spent the past six-and-a-half years at Old Trafford but is due to be out of contract at the end of next season.