Aston Villa's Premier League pursuit may be in doubt with the play-offs beckoning, but some of their top star's dreams of playing in the top-flight could be achieved whatever happens to Steve Bruce's side in the coming weeks.

One man certain to draw interest from the higher level is winger Jack Grealish, who has performed remarkably since returning from a difficult injury sustained in preseason.

Previously criticised for his antics off the field having been pictured sprawled across a road in Tenerife whilst on holiday with friends, the youngster has put his wild reputation behind him to continue his growth towards one of the top wide men in the English game.

Having made his ambitions clear by pursuing a career with the English national side having previously represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level, the winger desires a career at the top of the game, with these thoughts certain to be running through his mind when the season comes to a close next month...

The 22-year-old is at the stage in his career where first-team football is essential and could join a long list of players to have jumped ship from their boyhood club too early in pursuit of a big move.

Messer's Rodwell and Shaw are just two names that come to mind and Grealish will be well aware that his next move could determine the fate of his career.

His ideal scenario is to win promotion with Villa and try his hand at the Premier League once again with the Villains but he will reach a crossroads should they fail to win the play-offs.

A mid-table top-flight side could be the perfect bridge between his current situation and a top-six side.

By opting to reject the opportunity to appear for the Irish national side, Grealish made it extremely obvious that he has an England call-up on his mind.

With another World Cup passing this summer the youngster will perhaps have his heart set on Euro 2020 and he certainly won't receive a call-up should he still be mired in the second-tier with Villa.

Even promotion could hinder his chances with Bruce's side certain to struggle upon their return to the promise land and perhaps a move to a top half side is in fact the only way he may force his way into Gareth Southgate's plans.

The England manager handled Grealish while boss of the U21's, so will be well aware of his potential.

Grealish was born in Solihull and has been with the Villains since the age of five, so his heart belongs to Aston Villa.

He has experienced the ups and downs encountered in recent years and will feel that he owes the club and its fans a lot for what they have given him since he joined as a schoolboy in 2001.

Coming back from injury in the summer, Bruce has shown faith in the youngster and has been suitably rewarded and there exists another affinity between player and manager which may sway Grealish should an offer come in.

If they are promoted this year perhaps he will stay, but fans will surely not begrudge him a big move should a top-flight side stump up the cash in the summer months.

Villa fans, will Grealish leave in the summer?