Pundits agree Manchester United can solve major Cristiano Ronaldo problem with Aston Villa transfer

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn is reportedly a summer transfer target for Manchester United.

Steven Gerrard is a big fan of the Scotland international and will have no intention to sell the midfielder as he still has three-and-a-half years on his current Villa contract.

Yet, The Telegraph claim that McGinn has been shortlisted as a potential signing this summer when United hope to have deals lined up in tandem with the arrival of a new manager.

The report adds that McGinn could cost United up to £40million to tempt Villa into a sale, with the 27-year-old featuring on their shortlist to improve the midfield ranks at Old Trafford.

And former England internationals Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand agree that McGinn would be a good fit for United.

While Ralf Rangnick's side have struggled to cement their place in the Premier League top four places, reports of player discontent have emerged from the camp.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been caught visibly frustrated with some of Rangnick's decisions, including ones to substitute him in Premier League games, while former midfielder Paul Scholes has questioned the attitude of players.

Cole suggests McGinn would be a low maintenance player in a dressing room.

"You look at that club, and you constantly hear noises about this player is unhappy because the manager said this and this player’s unhappy because he’s been given time off here and he didn’t want it and all this," the former Chelsea ace said.

"You just want lads like him [McGinn] through the door. First of all, they have to be good enough and he’s certainly good enough as a footballer but that is so valuable for a manager in the current climate.

"You know you haven’t got to mollycoddle him, he’s going to come in and do his job.