Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Celtic attacking midfielder David Turnbull this summer.

However, according to The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans, Turnbull, ‘is not a target’ for Dean Smith’s side.

The Lowdown: Villa’s reported £7m bid

Reports just last week suggested that Villa were readying a £7m offer for Turnbull this summer.

Villa watched Turnbull in action on a number of occasions during the 2020/21 season, with manager Smith receiving glowing reports on the Scot.

A possible swoop for Turnbull was thought to be due to Ross Barkley’s loan coming to an end, along with Jack Grealish being linked with a Villa Park exit.

However, according to Evans, Turnbull isn’t of interest to Villa over the coming months.

The Latest: Celtic man staying put

Evans shared a story on Villa’s transfer plans on Friday morning, insisting Burnley’s Dwight McNeil and Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia are targets, with extensive groundwork already laid on possible deals.

However, when it came to Turnbull, Evans said:

“Elsewhere, it’s understood that Celtic midfielder David Turnbull, a player linked to Villa, is not a target.”

The Verdict: A boost for Eddie Howe?

In our opinion, this will come as a huge boost to Eddie Howe. The 43-year-old is thought to be closing in on a move to Parkhead, with an announcement reportedly imminent.

You’d expect he’d want to keep hold of Celtic’s best players, and you can certainly include Turnbull in that category.

He was a shining light in a disappointing season for the Hoops, with his displays earning him the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.

Turnbull completed 85 key passes in the 2020/21 campaign, 15 more than any other Scottish Premiership player, as per WhoScored.

On that basis, you’d expect Turnbull to be a key man for Howe in an attacking sense, so it’s good to see a move to the Midlands is off the table.

In other news: Alan Nixon provides Howe latest, find out more here