Sam Allardyce claims player should snub any interest from Tottenham

Rewind to last summer and Jack Grealish was the name which was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Mauricio Pochettino saw his top 2019 summer target slip through his fingers when Spurs left it too late to try and bring the midfielder to the club.

New owners took over at Villa and the player has since signed a five-year contract with his boyhood club despite him admitting that he thought he was on his way to becoming a Spurs player (talkSPORT)

Grealish is likely to lead Villa out against Spurs in their opening fixture after returning to the Premier League with former England and Everton manager Sam Allardyce insisting that he should remain a Villain.

Spurs have not been mentioned on many occasions this season with attempting to rekindle their interest in the 23-year-old and have instead been tipped to move for some players who currently ply their trade on the continent.

He told The Mirror: “It’s important to keep Grealish on board, that’s essential for their season and hopes of maintaining their Premier league status,”

“And I wonder now why Grealish would want to leave anyway. He’s got to where he wanted to go with the club he loves so why not stay and see where the journey takes him.

“He’s adored by Villa fans and he’s playing on the biggest stage. If I was him I’d stick around and see what happens.

“And if Villa get their recruitment right and plus buy the right players to go with him then they could go a long way.”