Jack Grealish has responded to months of speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur by signing a new five-year contract with Aston Villa.
Spurs reportedly bid £25 million for Grealish in the final days of the summer transfer window, only for Villa to reject the approach and insist their prized 23-year-old was not for sale.
Grealish was believed to be "disappointed and disillusioned" at being denied the chance to join Spurs, but has since started all of Villa's opening nine Championship games.
“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," Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow said.
“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 established himself as one of English football's brightest young talents when he broke into the Villa team in the 2014-15 season, making 17 Premier League appearances and helping inspire his team to the FA Cup final.
But his progress then stalled amid concerns over his attitude and off-field lifestyle; in November 2015 he was sent to train with the under-21 team by manager Remi Garde for electing to go clubbing immediately after Villa had suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss to Everton.
Since his club's relegation to the Championship in 2016 Grealish has steadily regained his career momentum, registering three goals and six assists in 30 appearances to help Villa reach the playoff final at Wembley in May.
