Scout reveals AC Milan ignored tip on Aston Villa, Chelsea ‘protagonists’
A former AC Milan scout has revealed he recommended England midfielders Jack Grealish and Mason Mount to the Italian club.
The pair are both currently preparing to feature for England at the Euros. That’s after they enjoyed fine seasons for their respective clubs Aston Villa and Chelsea. Grealish was a key figure in Villa’s significant improvement, while Mount missed just five games in all competitions in a campaign which ended with the Blues winning their second Champions League.
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But both could have been playing their football in Italy, had AC Milan followed up on recommendations given to them a few years ago.
Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb (via sempremilan) Danilo Pagni, an ex-talent spotter for the Serie A giants, has revealed the duo were among those he watched. And he was so impressed that he was keen to take them to the San Siro.
“I wanted Grealish who was at Aston Villa and Mount at Vitesse – now internationals and protagonists with England – at Milan,” he said.
“Scouting is this: understanding values when they are unexpressed, not valued, in fact.”
Guardiola prioritises Grealish
While Mount’s future looks sure to be at Chelsea, Grealish’s future is not so certain. The 25-year-old continues to be strongly linked with a switch to another Premier League side.
His return of six goals and 12 assists in 26 league outings only saw his reputation grow.
As a result, Manchester United and Arsenal are among those reportedly considering swoops. However, Manchester City are reportedly confident of beating them both to his signature.
In fact, the champions are said to have placed more importance on a deal for Grealish than a move for Harry Kane.
That’s because Pep Guardiola feels an opportunity to sign the Villa playmaker would be too good to let slip.
The Citizens would have to stump up £100million to make it happen. But they feel it could be on the cards after Villa broke their transfer record to bring in another creative player in Emiliano Buendia.
READ MORE: Aston Villa are leading the race to sign a €25million Metz midfielder.
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