Mills: Aston Villa may be planning for life without Grealish after bid submitted
Aston Villa may be planning for life without Jack Grealish after they submitted a £25million bid to Arsenal for Emile Smith-Rowe.
That is the view of ex-Leeds United and England defender speaking exclusively to Football Insider as Villa look to continue their busy start to the transfer window.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on 16 June that Arsenal had rejected a bid from Villa of around £25million for Smith-Rowe.
It comes after the Midlands outfit have already strengthened their attacking ranks with the addition of Emiliano Buendia.
Football Insider learned on 7 June Villa had spent a massive £57million on the deal, including wages.
Asked whether their pursuit of Smith-Rowe could point towards life without Grealish, Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: "Quite possibly, yes.
"You always have to plan for that. At the moment, they're bringing in players that can enhance their squad and their first XI and there's no harm in doing that whatsoever.
"But there will be in the back of their minds that if suddenly something happens and there is a huge offer for Jack Grealish and he wants to go then they have enough players to cover those positions.
"Obviously they won't be as good as Jack, not right now. But with a few tweaks here and there the aim will be you don't miss."
Villa also added Ashley Young this week as he returns to the club 10 years after he left for Manchester United.
Football Insider revealed on June 16 Villa chiefs are also determined to add Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse to Dean Smith's squad.