Real Madrid and Barcelona join hunt for Manchester United target

Manchester United can expect competition from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish this summer, claims The Sun.

Grealish is expected to be one of the most in-demand English players this summer after United made him their top transfer target ahead of Leicester's James Maddison.

The 24-year-old is spearheading Villa's bid to beat the drop this season and is playing his way into Gareth Southgate's England plans for Euro 2020.

United were considered the only club in for Grealish but now it is understood Barcelona and Madrid have entered the race for his signature.

Barcelona and Madrid are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window and Grealish has emerged on their radar.

Madrid could find themselves on the market for Luka Modric's replacement, particularly if Martin Odegaard decides to spend another year on loan at Real Sociedad.

The mooted fee of £60m for Grealish could, however, leave the likes of Madrid and Barcelona disappointed, particularly if Villa avoid relegation.

Dean Smith's side would prefer not to sell the 24-year-old and will hold out around £80m for the midfielder, similar to what United shelled out for Harry Maguire last summer.

Grealish has played a direct hand in 12 goals in 23 league appearances this season (seven goals, five assists) and is the most fouled player in Europe's top 5 leagues (111 fouls won).