Sir Alex Ferguson is back in the groove – not a managerial vibe, but he’s certainly showing he still has a significant stronghold over Manchester United.

According to reports, he met with Jude Bellingham and his parents at Carrington this week as speculation surrounding the Birmingham midfielder’s future continued.

The 16-year-old has been linked with a switch to a plethora of clubs in recent times, including United and Borussia Dortmund.

However, another Englishman remains at the forefront of United’s minds. Jack Grealish was the subject of interest last month but now a fresh report has claimed the Red Devils are set to agree a cut-price deal for the talented 24-year-old should Aston Villa get relegated.

Considering their league position of 19th, it’s a distinct possibility.

Valued at £34.2m according to Transfermarkt, Stretford Paddock understand the £80m Villa previously rated him at would tumble significantly if a deal was agreed upon their potential relegation.

The attacking midfielder has been a revelation in the Premier League this season, building on a fabulous Championship campaign where he contributed to 13 goals and helped Dean Smith’s side achieve promotion.

Since performing at a higher level, he’s netted seven goals and racked up six assists playing in the centre and on the left-wing. More impressively, however, is his tally of 69 key passes – a record that puts him fifth in the division for creative numbers.

An emerging talent, he is a throwback to the Ferguson era at Manchester United, something that began to become prominent again last summer.

Under Ferguson and David Gill, the Reds would only pay fees for players under the age of 27. An exception to the rule was Robin van Persie, a man who ultimately helped them to a Premier League title after bagging 26 goals in 2012/13.

After Sir Alex left, players like Alexis Sanchez (29 at the time) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (30) both arrived. Yet, footballers like Daniel James, Harry Maguire and Aaron-Wan Bissaka came through the door last summer – indicating a change in strategy from signing ageing individuals.

Their pursuit of Grealish is similar and issues a timely reminder of how keen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are to establish the philosophies that Ferguson engulfed the club with.

That’s particularly the case in terms of building a strong British core of players – something that had become a key part of United. Ferguson, of course, had players like Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney that he built many of his teams around.

Quickfire Questions: Can you get 100% on this Man United prodigies quiz?

Throw in a dash of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, among others, and you had one of the best sides in English club football history.

That’s not to suggest the current United side are anywhere near that level but adding a player like Grealish to their armoury would be further recognition of the need to head back to the days of old.

If he signs, United’s core could be made out of primarily British players again – Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, James, Scott McTominay and last but not least, Marcus Rashford. That’s before you even mention players like Mason Greenwood too.

Grealish would be a stellar addition, one that also recognises one of their age-old philosophies.

Meanwhile, Man United have every reason to FORGET about Chong with the discovery of a new diamond…