Liverpool are ready to rival Manchester United in the pursuit of Aston Villa and Scotland midfielder John McGinn this summer.
According to Sunday Post, as relayed by Not The Old Firm, Liverpool have joined Manchester United in the race to sign John McGinn. The Aston Villa midfielder is attracting a lot of attention following his impressive Premier League campaign and good performances in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2020.
McGinn most notably starred in Scotland’s recent draw with England, bossing the midfield and helping his nation retain a clean sheet. His performance earned him a lot of praise. In contrast, the English coach Gareth Southgate was heavily criticised for his team selection, including the exclusion of star man Jadon Sancho, who is another target for Manchester United.
Apart from European Championship, McGinn impressed in Premier League as well, in the recently concluded 2020/21 campaign. He was an ever-present figure in Aston Villa’s midfield, alongside Douglas Luiz, playing a vital role in the club’s second line of press. The Scot was directly involved in as many as nine goals.
Manchester United have been interested in the services of McGinn for a long time now. The 26-year-old appeals to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer due to his work ethic and offensive work rate. It makes him an ideal fit at Old Trafford, as the club looks to find some much-needed competition for Fred and Scott McTominay, McGinn’s national team partner in Scotland.
However, it appears the Red Devils are set to face fresh competition from arch-rivals Liverpool in the pursuit of the former Hibs midfielder. The Reds themselves are in the market for midfield reinforcements after Georginio Wijnaldum joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
Liverpool are also likely to cash in on other unwanted midfield players, with Naby Keita being linked with a move to Atletico Madrid. Even Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to seek pastures new, leaving Jurgen Klopp devoid of options in the middle of the park.
The Premier League giants are already eyeing multiple players, including Marcos Llorente of Atletico Madrid as well Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma. In McGinn, they will find themselves an experienced Premier League midfielder who shouldn’t find any difficulties settling into Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy metal” style of play.
McGinn himself is better suited to aggressive, attacking football rather than a slow possession-based game. Unfortunately for Liverpool, however, the player’s exorbitant £50 million price tag might put them off, although the report does suggest that a fee of even £20 million could initiate potential discussions over a summer switch.
