Liverpool could hijack £40m Man Utd transfer Sir Alex Ferguson wants as Aston Villa respond

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window opening in July.

Reports claim that the Premier League giants are both weighing up moves for the Scotland international whose contract at Villa Park runs out in 2025.

But according to The Mirror, Steven Gerrard wants to pin McGinn down to a new and improved contract to stave off interest from other clubs in the division.

The report adds that both Liverpool and United have sent scouts to watch McGinn this season and have been 'impressed' by what they have seen.

McGinn has made 20 Premier League appearances this season and has scored two goals, while he also made a huge contribution to Scotland's Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Scot has long been linked with a move to Man Utd in particular, with The Telegraph reporting that he is on the club's shortlist to improve the midfield and the 27-year-old is valued at around £40m.

They claim that his profile as a dominant midfielder with leadership qualities appeal to the club's hierarchy. Former boss Sir Alex Ferguson is also believed to be a 'big fan' according to The Sun.

Villa will not want to lose one of their most prized assets in the summer and Gerrard will do all he can to encourage McGinn to remain at the club beyond this season.