Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has been linked with a move to Premier League giants Liverpool, as reported by the Daily Record.
The Lowdown: Aston Villa prepare for 2021/22
As Aston Villa prepare for the 2021/22 campaign, they have shown no sign of complacency as they bid to improve upon their 11th-placed finish last time out.
Already active in the transfer window, they have swiftly moved to acquire the signing of Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City for a club record fee [avfc.co.uk], alongside the signature of former Claret Ashley Young on a free transfer [BBC Sport].
However, keeping hold of prize assets may be integral to the Villans' hopes of challenging for Europe next season. Jack Grealish has been linked with a move away, with Manchester United and Manchester City believed to be admirers [The Athletic].
In an interesting turn of events, attention may now turn to the Scottish international after latest developments.
The Latest: Liverpool interested in bringing McGinn to Anfield
Champions League qualifiers Liverpool are said to be interested in bringing McGinn to Anfield ahead of the forthcoming campaign, and Aston Villa are said to be holding out for at least £20m for the man affectionately dubbed “Meatball” by his teammates [Daily Record].
Advantageously, the Villains hold the trump card of McGinn signing a new contract at Villa Park last December. Scheduled to stay in the Midlands until 2025 after agreeing an extension, it may be difficult for Jurgen Klopp’s men to get a deal over the line for McGinn [avfc.co.uk].
The Verdict: Villa can ill afford to lose 'integral' McGinn
If McGinn's rumoured exit did come to pass, it would come as a bitter blow to everyone involved with Aston Villa.
His efforts were pivotal to Dean Smith’s side last season, registering nine goal contributions in 37 Premier League appearances, with three goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].
He has also shone as a ball carrier, completing the most dribbles from defensive areas on average in the entire Villa squad with 1.5 per match, indicating his propensity to drive his team forward regularly [WhoScored].
Unsurprisingly, Smith has previously labelled McGinn as ‘integral to everything we do at Aston Villa’ [Express and Star]. Moving into the new season, keeping hold of the former Hibernian midfielder should be a top priority for the Aston Villa hierarchy.
In other news, Danny Mills has dropped his verdict on Villa talisman Jack Grealish.