Aston Villa have secured the services of Jack Grealish - and protected his value - by handing him a new long term deal.
The gifted attacker has signed a new five-year contract that will keep him at Villa Park until at least the summer of 2023
The development comes after a summer of intense speculation when it appeared Grealish's 15-year relationship with Villa would come to an end.
Amid unsettling issues behind the scenes he was extensively linked with a move to Spurs, from whom Villa rejected a £25m bid.
But he remained at Villa and despite moving into a wider position has remained a key player for the claret and blues.
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Villa CEO Christian Purslow, welcomed the news and told the club website : “Securing the long-term future of Jack, a player we believe will play a pivotal role in leading Aston Villa back to where it belongs, is fantastic news for everybody associated with our football club.
“He is a tremendous talent who has been with us since he was a child and naturally we are delighted that he has now committed the next five years of his career to Aston Villa.”
Grealish is expected to become Villa’s highest-earning permanent player.
A release clause could have been inserted ensuring that Villa get big-money for their prized asset if he does leave in the years ahead.
Purslow had identified a contract extension as one of his main objectives as CEO.
He recognises the Solihull-born star as the heart and soul of the club and wants to build around him in times ahead.
Boss Steve Bruce’s feelings towards the attacker are also clear after helping get the best out of him in claret and blue.
Villa will also discuss a new deal with captain James Chester but are reluctant to offer extensions to other ageing players because of the Financial Fair Play issues.
The club will have to cut the wage bill in times ahead to fall in line with regulations and have already made an effort to reduce costs by moving players on this summer.
