‘Fantastic signing’ – Newcastle set reported sights on £30m-valued Scot, ex-pro drools
Noel Whelan has urged Newcastle United to pursue a move for John McGinn this summer but admitted it may hinge on the outcome of Aston Villa’s season.
The former Leeds United forward, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, believes the 25-year-old would be a “fantastic” signing that would fit in well under Steve Bruce at St. James Park.
According to the Daily Star, the £30million valued Villa midfielder is on the radar of the Magpies as Bruce begins his preparations for the summer transfer window.
McGinn has been sidelined since December 21 having fractured his ankle in a 3-1 home defeat to Southampton.
The Scotland international returned to training last month and will almost certainly be a part of the matchday squad when the season resumes.
When asked by Football Insider if the midfielder would fit in well on Tyneside, Whelan said: “Absolutely. John McGinn is a fantastic player and he has really shone during his time at Aston Villa.
“He is so integral to their team and how they play and he has everything you would want from a midfielder: tenacity, skills, scores, assists.
“I think he would be a fantastic signing for Steve Bruce. It is his kind of player and a Newcastle kind of player as well. He would do very well there.
“It all depends on Aston Villa’s survival as to whether they would let him go or not. If they are in the Premier League – no. They will have a lot of interest in a lot of their players given where they are right now.”
Villa are currently 19th in the Premier League with 10 games left to save their season.
Football Insider understands the governing bodies plan to restart the season in mid-June with players returning to training in mid-May.
In other Newcastle United news, Danny Mills has told Football Insider player’s return will provide big boost for Steve Bruce.