"?Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has been linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer, with various Premier League sides reportedly keen on his signature, according to a report in the "?Telegraph.
The 20-year-old endured a season to forget with the relegated Midlands outfit in 2015/16, making the headlines for off-field incidents rather than his performances in games, and he may be considering his future as a result.
Jack Grealish in the #BPL this season:
Played: 16 Won: 0 Drawn: 0 Lost: 16 #AVFC pic.twitter.com/9eqxog2x0Q
Stoke City are reportedly leading the race for Grealish this summer, fighting off competition from the likes of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
This season's relegation will have considerably cut his value, but Villa's wealthy prospective owner, Dr Tony Xia, can afford to keep him should he wish. Grealish is a player Villa will want to build their promotion-push around next season, but it's unknown just how damaging 2015/16 was to him.
Grealish made just nine Premier League starts for Aston Villa last season, scoring only one goal for his troubles. He found himself suspended and exiled from the first-team after embarking upon an unsanctioned night out, and might be too disillusioned with the club to stay past the summer.
While Villa are undergoing a takeover and will have a new manager at the helm next season, Grealish may not be confident of bouncing back in the Championship.
It would be very hard for the youngster to turn down Premier League interest, particularly given the uncertainty of Villa's ability to bounce back, but there is also the sentimental pull of Aston Villa being his boyhood club.
It meant a lot for Grealish to make his debut after graduating from the academy in 2014, but this season might have had such a damaging effect that he might be tempted to make a fresh start. A Championship campaign might be just what he needs to capture his form, however.
After showing promise during the tail-end of last season, the England U21 international has seen his stock dramatically fall. From being offered a chance to train with the England squad, to being a bit-part player of the national youth side - albeit winning the Toulon Tournament - Grealish has a lot to prove to his critics.
He's certainly a talented player, capable of ghosting past players with ease, while showcasing outstanding vision, but he's played so few games that he's been unable to find his form.
Aston Villa will be desperate to keep their academy starlet, but they aren't in any kind of bargaining position to convince him otherwise. Can Villa hold on to Grealish?