Aston Villa transfer news: Steven Gerrard ready to cash in on John McGinn this summer

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is prepared to listen to offers for “whinging” midfielder John McGinn this summer, claims a report.

McGinn, who was on the radar of Manchester United last summer, has been mentioned as a target for Spurs.

Earlier this month The Express reported that McGinn and Southampton’s Ward-Prowse were targets for Antonio Conte.

Scotland international McGinn, 27, has been with Villa since 2018 after arriving from Hibernian for just £2m.

McGinn was a Steve Bruce signing at Villa Park and he developed into a regular under Dean Smith. In fact he was untouchable and when United and Liverpool came sniffing around the player Aston Villa last summer, Villa dug their heels in.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, were hugely impressed with McGinn’s exploits for Dean Smith’s side.

However, Villa had no intention off selling McGinn, who is under contract until 2025 after penning an extension in December 2020.

The Express & Star claimed Villa would stand firm over their £50m.

But under Gerrard the situation looks to have changed. McGinn remained a regular under Gerrard and he started 35 Premier League games last season.

However, Gerrard “is said to be not totally convinced” and Football Insider states Villa will listen to offers for the player.

He will not be allowed to leave cheaply though, Gerrard will insist on big money for the Glasgow-born schemer.

‘Whinging’ McGinn

As per the source, recently-departed coach Michael Beale is said to have had “a tense relationship” with McGinn. And the former St Mirren man is said to be always “whinging” behind the scenes.

McGinn has scored 16 goals and managed 23 assists in 147 games for the club. And his availability will surprise plenty of fans.

Gerrard selected McGinn from his very first game in charge at Brighton in November. And the midfielder played in a central and in a right midfield role and even skippered the side at Brentford.

But Gerrard is looking to strengthen his squad this summer and has already added Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara from Marseille on a free transfer. And it looks as though the Liverpool legend is ready to cash in on McGinn, who was a target for Celtic in the summer of 2018.

Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, were desperate to sign McGinn. And they are believed to have matched Villa’s offer, before the player opted for the midlands.