According to Daily Star, Newcastle United are plotting a summer swoop for Aston Villa star John McGinn in the summer if the Villans are relegated to the Championship.
The 25-year-old was signed by the Villans in 2018 from Scottish side Hibernian FC when Steve Bruce was in charge at Villa Park. After three brilliant seasons with the Hibs, he immediately established himself as one of the most important players for Villa.
He impressed after his arrival in England but a crucial ankle injury in the latter stages of the season hampered his progress. His long absence was also hugely felt by the Villans, who are struggling to move out of the danger zone. And the report also suggests that Manchester United are trying to make a move for the midfielder.
While the attacking unit has failed miserably, there has not been enough support from the midfield except for Jonjo Shelvey, who has contributed with 6 goals, making him the top scorer of the club this season.
The Magpies boss brought in Valentino Lazaro and Nabil Bentaleb on loan last winter but both of them could be on their way back after their loan spell ends, leaving Bruce with limited options in the midfield.
Shelvey, Matt Ritchie and Sean Longstaff are the only other forward-thinking midfielders. Thus, to improve their performance and bring stability to their game, the Magpies should bring reinforcements to the squad.
In that case, Villa star John McGinn could be a useful option for them in the middle of the park. Given his impressive performances before he picked up the injury, he would surely bring a different dimension to Newcastle’s game.
He was instrumental in the Championship last season, racking up 6 goals and 10 assists and helped his side get promoted to the top-flight. He has continued his fine form this term, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists in 18 league games.
The Scotsman has been vital for both his club and country and has made nearly 300 appearances at club level. His experience combined with his fine run of form could be valuable for Bruce’s squad if he joins them.
With a lack of all-round quality, bringing in a midfielder could help the Magpies shape their game for good. And McGinn would definitely provide them with some much-needed depth and quality to the squad. Thus, the Magpies making a move for the Scottish international could prove to be a wise decision for the club.