Whelan drops bold claim after Grealish signs deal

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Noel Whelan believes the business done by Aston Villa this transfer window could turn them into Premier League top 10 contenders. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Leeds United striker claimed that the quality brought in by Dean Smith will have convinced Jack Grealish to commit his future to the club.

Club captain Grealish penned a new five-year contract at Villa Park earlier this month among growing speculation surrounding his future.

Villa have added full back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest, striker Ollie Watkins of Brentford and Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer.

Winger Bertrand Traore became Smith’s latest addition when he joined the club from Lyon last week.

Asked by Football Insider about Grealish’s new contract, Whelan said: “It’s brilliant. All the speculation was about him leaving and wanting to go to a top-four club and challenge and win trophies and play in the Champions League.

“Now, he’s signed a brand new contract. I think there’s a release clause in it, probably a lot higher than what it was!

“He loves the club, he is Mr. Aston Villa. It seems to me, Dean Smith because he kept them in the Premier League last year there might be some promises there.

“I don’t think they’ll be down there this year, I really don’t. I think they’ll be sitting mid-table.

“With the players they’ve brought in already is what Grealish will want to see.

“He’ll want to see quality come in and that promise that they’ll want to challenge, push, and develop into a strong contender to break into the top 10.”


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By: Football Insider speaking to Noel Whelan
Title: Whelan drops bold claim after Grealish signs deal
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/now-hes-signed-exclusive-whelan-on-where-villa-will-finish-after-transfer-blitz/
Published Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2020 19:00:23 +0000