Aston Villa to ‘challenge’ Newcastle United for powerful defender as Spurs eye Steven Gerrard’s key player

Aston Villa may have to fend off further interest in central midfielder John McGinn this summer, with reports saying that Tottenham Hotspur will target the Scotland international.

Spurs look set to secure Champions League passage this weekend if they can grab at least a draw at Carrow Road against already relegated Norwich City, and that may prove a major attraction for Villa ’s 27-year-old midfield linchpin.

The 44-cap Scot has once again put in plenty of top performances this campaign, grabbing three goals and four assists in 34 starts in the heart of midfield.

John McGinn in high demand

Speculation has continued concerning clubs further up the English football pyramid taking a look at the former Hibernian and St Mirren player. Manchester United have been continually linked with McGinn, even as Villa were promoted to the top league, and now Spurs are credited with an interest.

Thankfully Steven Gerrard remains in a strong position to keep the player, as McGinn is contracted until 2025 thanks to the five year new deal he signed in late 2020, and no matter what riches are offered, the player is highly likely to remain at Villa Park.

Villa intend to build this summer and will hope to make the jump to the European places themselves in a year’s time, which might help satisfy the ambitions of players such as McGinn.

Antonio Conte’s side failed to complete a deal in 2018, bidding up to £25m, and lost out on then Villa playmaker Jack Grealish, who has gone on to become a £100m player, and Tottenham’s chances don’t look too good at securing another Villa player this time either.

Tarkowski on Villa’s radar?

Meanwhile, Gerrard is expected to target a centre-back this summer with Villa linked to Burnley’s James Tarkowski, who the Midlands outfit will have seen at close quarters this week when both sides met on Thursday night.

The Telegraph say that Villa are looking for another centre-back this summer, regardless of what happens with Ezri Konsa, who has picked up a bad knee injury ruling him out for more than three months.

Whether Burnley survive on Sunday, where the Clarets just need to match the result of Leeds United at Brentford, may have a bearing on the pursuit of Tarkowski, although with the player out of contract a move looks to be on the cards regardless.

Newcastle United are expected to be in contention for the 29-year-old’s signature too.