John McGinn contract talks now on the cards at Aston Villa amid Ollie Watkins update – BBC pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
John McGinn could be set for contract talks with Aston Villa in the summer with Ollie Watkins close to signing a new deal of his own, according to Alan Hutton.
According to a report by 90min on 19 April, 27-year-old Watkins is “close” to signing a new contract at Villa Park with the striker and the West Midlands club “finalising terms”.
Hutton believes Watkins deserves his new deal and reckons that the England striker’s fresh deal could open the door for 28-year-old McGinn to also get one in the summer.
When asked by Villa News if it’ll be a major boost to have Watkins tied down for the future, Hutton said: “Yeah, absolutely. He thoroughly deserves it as well.
“He’s led the line this season and not had much help. I know Danny Ings was here at one stage but he’s now left.
“I would have thought they’ll be looking to bring in another striker to compete with Watkins or help him a little bit.
“He deserves it and it’s good for the rest of the team to see that if you do well and do what you’re asked, you will be rewarded for it.
“It’ll be interesting to see if John McGinn and these other guys will then be having talks at the end of the season to extend their contracts.”
McGinn has been one of the stars of the season at Aston Villa, scoring one goal and supplying three assists in 29 Premier League appearances this season.
Unai Emery has played the Scottish midfielder in a wider role than he’s been used to in recent months but the ex-Hibernian star has excelled whether he’s played there or in the middle.
In other Aston Villa news, concerns about Ollie Watkins have been examined by a BBC Sport pundit.