Noel Whelan tips Man Utd to sign ‘important’ John McGinn for £60m

John McGinn has an uncertain future at Aston Villa amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, though Steven Gerrard has no intention of letting him go.

The Villa boss stated that his side aren’t going to a be a selling club, but Noel Whelan believes a £60m bid from United could see them land McGinn’s signature.

He told Football Insider: “I don’t think it’ll take Grealish money to get that deal done. “I think it will be around £50-60million. That would really force the hand of Aston Villa and make them seriously think about it.”

But it’s clear the Midlands outfit aren’t looking to sell their best players if they can help it. Jack Grealish only joined Manchester City because his £100m release clause was matched.

Villa have tied down Emiliano Martinez (until 2027), Kortney Hause (until 2025), Matt Targett (until 2025), Ezri Konsa (until 2026), Jacob Ramsey (until 2025), McGinn (until 2025) and Tyrone Mings (until 2024) to new deals in the last 18 months, so the plan is to build not to break up.

Whelan agrees, adding: “Villa right now are putting together a team capable of challenging in that top six. They’re not going to stop spending. It’s exciting times for them, and they could have the longevity to burst into that elite group of clubs.

“Steven Gerrard is being given the backing. They want to assemble a squad of players who can compete in this league. Would McGinn want to leave that behind?” The 27-year-old has made 130 appearances in all competitions since joining Villa from Hibernian in 2018, scoring 16 goals with 21 assists.

McGinn one of the first names on the teamsheet and is considered ‘important’ by Gerrard, so it’s hard to see him being granted a departure.

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