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Jack Grealish is set for more contract talks at Aston Villa this week after withdrawing from the Irish under-21 squad.

The 19-year-old will play in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Bodymoor Heath and is expected to pledge his future to the club he has supported all his life.

Grealish is close to signing a new long-term deal at the club and could thrash out a deal this week during the Premier League break.

His international future still remains unclear, though.

Yesterday England U21 boss Gareth Southgate admitted that the FA are still trying to persuade him to play for England.

The Solihull-born star can play for either the Three Lions or the Republic of Ireland due to his Galway-based grandparents.

He has represented Ireland since he was 14, and was due to play in the friendly with Norway on Thursday.

But Noel King said:

“The facts are that he is in contractual talks with Aston Villa and they have reached an important stage.

“His deal is up at the end of the year and his future is of paramount importance to him. So you can see why they would want to sort that matter out.”

“I accept Jack’s reasons for withdrawing and understand it. I have no issue with it.”