Jack Grealish signs new five-year contract at Aston Villa as Manchester United target commits to boyhood club until 2025

Jack Grealish has continued his love affair with boyhood club Aston Villa by signing a new five-year contract.

The Villa captain has been heavily linked with a move away from Dean Smith’s side – with Manchester United his reported strongest suitors.

However, Grealish has quashed that speculation by putting pen-to-paper on a new deal until 2025 at Villa Park.

The playmaker helped Villa survive in the Premier League last season as they beat the drop by a point on the final day.

Grealish told the club’s official site: ‘I am delighted to make this commitment to Villa. It is my club, my home and I am very happy here.

‘The owners have made it very clear to me how ambitious they are and how they want to build Aston Villa. There are exciting times ahead and I am very glad to be part of it.’

The 25-year-old scored 10 goals in 41 games last term and earned his England debut in this month’s 0-0 Nations League draw in Denmark.

He has been with the club since he was eight-years-old, making his debut in 2014.

Chief executive Christian Purslow said: ‘Jack is an emblem of our owners’ vision for Aston Villa. He joined our club as a local boy and has developed into one of the country’s finest players, finally becoming a full England international last week.

‘We are determined to build a top team around him and are delighted that he is extending his contract and committing himself to the club he loves.’

Villa are also expected to tie up a £20million deal for Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez soon after he agreed a four-year deal over the weekend.