Manchester United still want £100m-rated Jack Grealish after move fell through in September

Manchester United are still interested in signing Jack Grealish despite the collapse of his move from Aston Villa in September.

Grealish captains Villa at Old Trafford on Friday but could have been lining up for United if they had agreed to pay the £100m asking price.

United are among a number of top European clubs still weighing up a bid for Grealish in the summer, although the transfer fee is likely to have gone up. 

Manchester United are still interested in signing Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish (L)

It’s understood that United refused to pay more than £65m and then pulled out of the deal due to the financial impact of the pandemic having already spent £40m on Donny van de Beek.

Grealish, who had told friends he was on his way to Old Trafford, signed a new five-contract at Villa Park 24 hours later.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to still be keen on the 25-year-old England international and was coy when asked about Grealish ahead of Friday’s game.

‘I don’t want to say too much about other teams’ players but of course he’s a player we know we have to look for,’ said Solskjaer. 

United’s chief Ed Woodward refused to pay more than £65m for the playmaker last summer

‘He’s a player for Aston Villa and England who has only improved. The goal he scored last season was a brilliant goal and we’ve faced him enough times to know it’s going to be a difficult game.’ 

Meanwhile, United striker Edinson Cavani has been hit with a three-match ban and £100,000 fine for using the word ‘negrito’ in a social media post in November.

Cavani, who must also complete an education programme, had until January 4 to respond to the FA misconduct charge but decided not to contest it.

The Uruguayan will now miss the Villa game on Friday, EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester City and FA Cup clash with Watford – leaving him free to return to action against Burnley and Liverpool.

United, who hope the £100,000 fine will go towards funding the FA’s anti-racism initiatives, issued a statement on Thursday. 

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been suspended for three matches by the FA

It read: ‘As he has stated, Edinson Cavani wasn’t aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologised for the post and to anyone who was offended.

‘Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge out of respect for, and solidarity with, the FA and the fight against racism in football.

‘While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we note that the independent regulatory commission was required to impose a minimum three-game suspension.

‘The club trusts that the commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post.’