Jack Grealish joining Manchester United could be as vital as their signing of Eric Cantona, according to Neil Warnock.
Aston Villa captain Grealish, 24, has been superb this term to help his boyhood club into the Carabao Cup final.
He has also weighed in with eight goals and six assists in the Premier League as 17th-placed Villa battle the drop.
United are now prioritising the attacking midfielder's signing this summer as James Maddison, 23, is on course to pen a lucrative new contract at Leicester.
Veteran ex-Cardiff boss Warnock says Grealish is made for Old Trafford like legendary Frenchman Cantona, who inspired a trophy laden spell from 1992-1997, which included four titles.
Warnock told talkSPORT: “Man United are in a situation where they should just pay the money now.
“I think he would be a great acquisition for them. He is made to measure like that.
“When you think about Cantona and people like that who have something magic. He fits that bill as a young one.
“I think he would be a great signing. He is that kind of player.
“I think he would strut his business there like how Cantona played for Man United.
“What I like about his game since we played them in the Championship, I think he has matured and he is so much better now.”
Grealish is under contract at Villa Park until 2023 and is expected to win his first England cap next month in friendlies at home to Italy and Denmark.
