Aston Villa backed to sign ‘top-class’ McGinn partner as another bid reported
Alan Hutton has backed Aston Villa to sign a midfielder with an “extra bit of quality” before transfer deadline day.
The former Villa defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Dean Smith may want a partner for John McGinn in the middle of the park.
Italian new outlet CalcioMercato (23rd August) claim Villa have tabled a cash-only offer for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
It is said Villa’s offer for the 22-year-old is tempting Juventus chiefs as other suitors look to negotiate terms of a deal.
As revealed by Football Insider in July, Aston Villa submitted three offers for Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe.
This site also detailed (6th August) how Southampton rejected a £25million bid for James Ward-Prowse.
Hutton suggested Villa were seeking a midfielder who is ” a little bit different” to bolster the squad.
“I think they’ve got a lot of midfield options there,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“They’ve got a lot options from middle to front. I always go back to last season, I thought the first XI were strong. He obviously just wants to bulk that out. You know it’s going to be a difficult season.
“They’re definitely going to be going for those European places. I think he’s looking for that extra bit of quality in those positions to really get through this season.
“Also, to take that burden off Jack (Grealish). Everybody was heavily reliant on him last year. I think they’re trying to spread that load across the midfield and forward-thinking players.
“He obviously sees the need to bring in somebody else, maybe something a little bit different from what he’s got. I think to partner the likes of John McGinn, because he’s obviously going to play.
“He’s maybe still looking for something top class, a little bit different.”
Villa currently have McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Marvelous Nakamaba, Morgan Sanson, Conor Hourihane and Jacob Ramsey as their midfield options.
In other news, Danny Mills is in awe of “brilliant” Aston Villa amid a confirmed transfer update.