John McGinn 'lined up' by Spurs as Aston Villa braced for big money bid for Scotland star

Antonio Conte is set to launch a bid to take Scotland star John McGinn to Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report.

The Daily Mail say Aston Villa are bracing themselves for a bid for the 27-year-old former Hibs midfielder.

McGinn is contracted at Villa Park until at least 2025 and Steven Gerrard won’t want to lose one of his key men.

Currently on international duty ahead of this week’s Nations League games, McGinn has previously been linked with Spurs who are preparing for a crack at the Champions League.

Conte reportedly wants two midfielders with Christian Eriksen also tipped for an emotional return to north London after returning to football at Brentford following his Euro 2020 heart scare.

Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse is another linked with a move to Tottenham but Villa are desperate hold on to McGinn after selling Jack Grealish for a British record £100 million transfer fee last season.

McGinn is a huge fans favourite at Villa and has become an integral part of the team since arriving in the summer of 2018.

Gerrard said last season: "I’m a massive fan of him, he’s very unique how he plays. He sees passes, he’s infectious, he’s a leader.

"It’s a bonus for me because whatever we ask him to do he will go out and commit to. He’s one of those that will hang on to every word."