Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard issues warning to Manchester United over John McGinn transfer

Steven Gerrard says his ‘intention’ is to keep John McGinn at Aston Villa as Manchester United continue to be linked with the Scotland midfielder.

McGinn has established himself as one of Villa’s most important players over the past four seasons, with his performances attracting interest from Premier League giants United.

Red Devils interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who will move into a consultancy role at Old Trafford at the end of the season, is believed to be an admirer of McGinn and will sanction a move for the 27-year-old in the summer.

Gerrard, who took over at Aston Villa in November, says it is a ‘compliment’ for his players to be linked with rival clubs but insists he is determined not to sell McGinn.

‘We are certainly not a club that is looking to sell. Our intention is to keep John McGinn here,’ said former Liverpool captain Gerrard.

‘We don’t want to be a selling club unless there is a situation, as with [Jack] Grealish [to Manchester City], which works itself out if you like.

‘I want [McGinn] to remain a Villa player and we can’t be any clearer on that. We love the player, we love the human being and we want to help him.

‘We certainly see it as a compliment when our best players, or any of our players, are linked with big moves away. I think it shows they are playing at a consistent level.’

Former Liverpool and England star John Barnes, meanwhile, is adamant McGinn would be a ‘good signing’ for Manchester United.

If John McGinn wants to move to Manchester United, he could,’ Barnes told BonusCodeBets. ‘If that is what he wants to do, he could make a step up.

‘I am not sure why he would want to leave Aston Villa, they’re a great club for him, and he can achieve whatever he wants there.

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