Manchester City are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Aston Villa over the transfer of Jack Grealish in what would be a Premier League record-breaking deal worth £100 million.
The Athleticreported in June that City were preparing a bid, with the reigning top-flight champions long-term admirers of the England international.
After negotiations between the two clubs, Villa are on course to accept Citys offer and the 25-year-old is now set to become the most expensive British player of all time.
That accolade previously belonged to Gareth Bale following his £85 million transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2013.
It will also surpass the £89 million Manchester United gave Juventus in 2016 to take Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford, which was then a world record and remains the highest fee paid by a Premier League side.
Provided everything goes to plan, personal terms will be finalised and a medical taken before Grealish completes a move to the Etihad Stadium.
The Birmingham-born attacking midfielder joined Villa at the age of six and has captained his boyhood side since March 2019.
An improved five-year contract was penned last September and another new deal was offered before Grealish went to the delayed Euro 2020.
Villa hoped he would stay and be part of an ambitious project, but they also respected his desire to play Champions League football and would not block his path if a suitable proposal arrived.
Similarly, Grealish was likely to have put pen to paper on the fresh terms unless City delivered what Villa wanted and ensured the transaction was handled in a cordial manner, so he could exit in the best possible way.
Manchester City declined to comment when contracted by The Athletic.
It would be Citys second piece of recruitment this summer after goalkeeper Scott Carson rejoined on a free transfer from Derby County.
They are also in talks to secure first-choice goalkeeper Ederson to a new three-year contract, as revealed by The Athletic last Wednesday.
