What John McGinn has already said about Newcastle as Aston Villa exit news emerges
Aston Villa captain John McGinn has now been linked with a Newcastle United switch.
The Scotland international has been superb since signing from Hibernian in 2018, being an ever-present under four different head coaches.
This has seen the skipper represent everything good at Villa Park, carrying his side from the Championship to the Champions League quarter-final in just seven years.
As a result, it is little surprise that there would be interest in his signature this summer, with Everton being linked to McGinn earlier in the window.
Now, Newcastle have thrown their hat in the ring, with the 30-year-old having spoken out about the Magpies in recent years.
McGinn has already spoken about Newcastle United
It would certainly prove to be a bold call from the B6 outfit to part ways with their leader, with just over a week remaining until the new season begins.
That hasn't stopped Eddie Howe's side from placing McGinn high up on his transfer shortlist at St James' Park, according to Craig Hope on 6 August.
Villa's number seven has two years remaining on his contract and could potentially be available this summer despite Everton being turned away previously.
With that being said, McGinn himself may prove to be more keen on a move to the north east as opposed to Merseyside.
This comes after previously speaking out on Newcastle after Villa secured a 3-0 B6 win over the Magpies back in April 2023.
- McGinn started in a 3-0 at Villa Park against Newcastle in 2023
- Jacob Ramsey netted as Ollie Watkins scored a brace to secure a huge three points
- This was one of seven wins secured in the final 11 games of the campaign
After taking a huge three points in the journey to eventually qualify for the Conference League under Unai Emery, the captain was more than complimentary of Howe's side.
Speaking to the Shields Gazette (15 April 2023), he said: "Newcastle are a very, very good team. They remind me of Leeds a couple of years ago. In the build-up to the game, you know you’ve got to run and fight, so prepare a bit extra.
"Even at 1-0, they’re bringing on players who can change the game. I think Newcastle will get Champions League, because they deserve it. They’ve made St James’ Park a real fortress. We saw that earlier on this season."
Aston Villa can't lose McGinn
Regardless of the midfielder's admiration for Newcastle, he can't be let go, especially not to the Magpies this summer.
They represent a direct rival in the race to return to the Champions League football, having finished just one place above the Villans' last campaign.
| Position | Club | Goal difference | Points |
| 1. | Liverpool | +45 | 84 |
| 2. | Arsenal | +35 | 74 |
| 3. | Manchester City | +28 | 71 |
| 4. | Chelsea | +21 | 69 |
| 5. | Newcastle United | +21 | 66 |
| 6. | Aston Villa | +7 | 66 |
As a result, strengthening their efforts for the upcoming season would make little sense, especially if Jacob Ramsey were also to leave the Midlands.
It would be crazy for Emery, Monchi and Co. to greenlight a deal for Super John McGinn. He still has so much to give in claret and blue.
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