Jack Grealish has told UMM that he messaged Ross Barkley simply saying ‘keep Villa in mind’ before he joined the club.
Barkley signed for Villa on loan from Chelsea last summer, in a deal which developed at rapid pace.
Grealish was clearly delighted when Barkley signed for his side, as the pair enjoy a very good relationship.
And it turns out the Grealish was keen to help encourage Barkley join Villa before he had put pen to paper.
“Yeah I do [love playing with Barkley]! Ross is ledge, man. I know Ross about a year ago and then I went to Dubai with him over the winter break last February,” Grealish said.
“Last summer I saw he might be moving so I got in touch with him and said ‘keep Villa in mind’ and obviously it progressed and we haven’t looked back.
“When you have a connection with someone off the pitch when you get on to the pitch you just bounce off each other.”
Barkley quickly made an impact at Villa, particularly in his first few months at the club.
The Chelsea loanee linked well with Grealish, before injury struck.
Barkley’s form has actually slowed in recent months, but he could still have a key role to play between now and the end of the season.
Villa are currently in ninth place in the Premier League table and still have hopes of qualifying for Europe, despite a disappointing defeat to Sheffield United in their last game.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
