Scott McTominay: Leader named in Aston Villa and Man United transfer race

Aston Villa are well-placed to beat Manchester United in their pursuit of Napoli star Scott McTominay if he becomes available.

The 29-year-old goalscoring midfielder is being heavily linked with a return to English football, despite having thrived since he move to Serie A in 2024, where Napoli have got the best out of him.

Should he be made available by the Italian outfit, there is expected to be no shortage of interest in his signature, with Aston Villa now emerging as the early favourites.

This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Red Devils are unlikely to bring McTominay back to Old Trafford in the near future.

After deeming him surplus to requirements just two years ago, they are believed to be unwilling to admit their mistake by spending a big fee on bringing him back.

Aston Villa, however, are long-term admirers of McTominay and could capitalise on their rivals' decision to agree a deal with Napoli in next summer's transfer window.

Are Man United interested in signing McTominay?

Football Insider revealed on 8 October that Man United will face an uphill battle if they want to re-sign McTominay as they focus on adding younger players to their squad.

Despite links with a potential return to Old Trafford, it is becoming increasingly likely that the midfielder will go elsewhere if he is allowed to leave Napoli.

Aston Villa are now being tipped as leading contenders for his signature, with Unai Emery's side well-placed to get a deal over the line.

"I would be very surprised if Man United looked to bring Scott McTominay back to the club," Brown told Football Insider.

"He was a big part of their midfield, but they eventually decided that he was surplus to requirements and they offered him around a few clubs before he moved to Napoli.

"I thought it was a bargain deal at the time, and I'm sure Man United probably regret letting him go, but they would never admit that.

"That's why I can't imagine they will make a move for him now, it's like admitting they made a mistake letting him go, and he would cost a lot more than what they sold him for.

"If he is going to become available, a move somewhere like Aston Villa would be much more likely, I think he would fit in well with what they're doing there.

"He'd bring a lot of experience and quality to the side and he's shown how good he is for Napoli and for Scotland, so he would be an improvement on their current options.

"But if he's going to leave Italy and come back to English football, he will certainly be one to watch, because a lot of clubs will be interested."

How does McTominay feel about a return to English football?

McTominay has long been linked with a return to the Premier League as a result of his performances for Napoli since his move, with clubs impressed by his performances.

The latest round of speculation surrounding the midfielder's future seems to be louder than ever, however, and much could depend on his stance on the move.

Football Insider revealed on 10 October that McTominay is unlikely to complete a move away from Napoli in the near future, with his focus on returning to full fitness.

After undergoing heart surgery in Italy, the Scotland international is prioritising a return to the starting XI at Napoli and is not currently considering his future.

As a result, any return to English football is likely to be put on hold in the immediate future regardless of which clubs are interested in signing him.