Aston Villa: Gerrard making 'huge gamble' over £34m star at Villa Park

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard would be taking a ‘huge gamble’ by allowing John McGinn to make a ‘surprise’ exit from Villa Park, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Gerrard is in the process of reshaping his squad ahead of a first full season at the helm, having moved into the dugout last November, and it appears McGinn could be among the big-names deemed surplus to requirements.

According to Football Insider, Villa are willing to listen to offers for McGinn ahead of the summer transfer window’s closure on September 1.

The report suggests Gerrard is not convinced by the 48-cap Scotland international and could sanction his departure due to finding him not the easiest of players to manage behind the scenes.

That could open the door for Tottenham Hotspur after boss Antonio Conte earmarked McGinn as a potential acquisition during the closing stages of last season.

ExWHUemployee, speaking on The West Ham Way podcast via West Ham Zone, has revealed Hammers chief David Moyes is also an admirer and keen to make the 27-year-old a marquee signing.

However, suitors may have to spend big in order to lure McGinn away from the Midlands as he still has three years remaining on his £70,000-per-week Villa contract.

O’Rourke has admitted he would be shocked to see McGinn leave Villa during the current transfer window.

The journalist also feels sanctioning the £34million-rated central midfielder’s exit could come back to haunt Gerrard, particularly if he joins a domestic rival.

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O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It would be a huge surprise to see someone like John McGinn possibly leave Aston Villa.

“He has been a talismanic figure for them in the last couple of