Michael Owen says he has been told that Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish "has his heart set" on a move to Manchester United this summer.
The midfielder has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford of late, with Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a known admirer of his talents.
Grealish played an instrumental role as Villa confirmed their Premier League survival on the final day of the season in Sunday's draw at West Ham, with his left-footed rocket one of eight goals - to go with nine assists - in the top-flight this season.
The 24-year-old recently admitted he is "not sure" what his future holds, while manager Dean Smith refused to comment on such speculation following that tense encounter at London Stadium.
And while Owen claims Grealish is desperate to leave Villa Park this summer, he acknowledges the club's survival will likely have increased any potential transfer fee.
“I think he’s [Grealish] after Manchester United as well," Owen told Premier League Productions. “I’m told he has his heart set on Manchester United. I’d be surprised if he went anywhere else.”
He added: “He’ll be more expensive now to possible suitors. There is that tie now that it’s his team and they’re still in the Premier League.
"It would have been an easier decision if they went down. You can’t have someone like that playing in the Championship. He’s a top player, he would suit an awful lot of teams; he’s exceptional."
In Pictures | Manchester United summer transfer window 2020
James Maddison is another Premier League midfielder that has been linked with United of late, but Owen believes Grealish is "head and shoulders" above the Leicester City star.
“People compare him to James Maddison and others like that but I think he’s head and shoulders above him," he said. "He can run with the ball well, score goals, he’s in double figures this season, he assists.
“He’s actually much better out of possession and I think that’s where this season he has developed that side. He covers a lot of ground.
"He’s not one of those flashy players where you give him the ball and he turns it on, he actually works hard out of possession as well."
