Former Premier League defender Alan Hutton has admitted links between Liverpool and John McGinn have come as no surprise.
This comes after it emerged Jurgen Klopp was a ‘huge admirer’ of the Scotsman as reports elsewhere linked the Reds with a sensational big-money swoop.
Villa were quick to slap a £45-50million price tag on the 26-year-old, making the possibility of a move this summer less than likely.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton claimed McGinn could be the ideal candidate to replace Gini Wijnaldum at Anfield.
It’s absolutely brilliant. First and foremost, what a guy. On and off the pitch he has that leader mentality. On the pitch he gives 110% every single day. Just look at his run from St Mirren to Hibs then to Villa. To make his mark in the way he has is phenomenal. It doesn’t surprise me that teams like Liverpool are watching him. Wijnaldum has moved on and he can fill that role, Villa fans are going to hate me but he would fit into that team. He high energy and can score goals. He gets around the pitch and he’s mentally tough. Walking into a Liverpool team of that size would not phase him one bit.
Already an experienced performer in the Scottish Premiership, the former St. Mirren and Hibernian ace has become a mainstay in the Premier League for the Midlands club.
During 2020/21, McGinn scored three and assisted six other goals in 37 appearances.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Signing McGinn would certainly fill the Wijnaldum void in the squad in terms of durability.
Very rarely absent with injury, the 36 times capped Scot would provide adequate cover for the likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
However, shelling out the £50million required for a squad option seems hugely unlikely given the financial constraints in place this summer.
Whilst the mooted asking price may seem excessive for a £27million valued player, having recently signed a new deal until 2025 at Villa Park and of vital importance to the club, it’s no surprise Dean Smith would be keen to price their ace out of a move.
