Aston Villa's Jack Grealish has spoken publicly on his 'disappointment' that a summer move to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur did not materialise.
The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a £25m move to Spurs during the last transfer window, with former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane confirming on Sky Sports that a bid had taken place.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Grealish admitted he was upset the move did not occur particularly as it would have aided his international aspirations.
Of course there's going to be disappointment there. They've beaten Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, they're playing Barcelona in the Champions League next week. I felt that if I'd gone there I could have maybe been in the England squad by the end of the year.
At the start of the season my head was swivelled, it was all over the place. Even after the transfer window closed, until the end of August, I wasn't right.
At this stage, Grealish's England aspirations are no secret. Speaking on the LOI Weekly podcast, UCD Captain Gary O'Neill reflected on his time as an Irish U21 alongside the talented English winger.
He was on the same Irish team as me. I wouldn't say Jack is a close friend to me anymore but at the time I would have been close to him. I think if England U21 had come calling, he would have gone there - he would have wanted to play with the better players.
I never really got the impression that he would go on to play for us.
This week, Grealish signed a new five-year deal at Villa Park. The club are currently in 13th place, three points off the playoffs.
