Aston Villa star in ‘football chat’ with Man Utd ace targeted by Newcastle United and West Ham in golf game

Aston Villa’s John McGinn was seen enjoying a friendly round of golf with Manchester United star Scott McTominay on Wednesday morning at the Scottish Open.

The footballers are taking part in the competition's Pro-Am fixtures, a form of golf that allows amateurs to compete alongside professionals. These are typically single-day events where teams comprise one pro golfer paired with four amateurs.

The Scotsman journalist Martin Dempster was on the course on Wednesday and saw McGinn and McTominay enjoying a game with actor Dougray Scott. The trio are being accompanied by Billy Horschel to begin with and then Bob MacIntyre later on.

The Villa and United players, who of course know each other from international duty with Scotland, were seen chatting football as they made their way along the course. McTominay is known to be a Hibernian fan, where McGinn spent three years between 2015 and 2018.

It's been a busy few weeks for both the Premier League stars with the two in the headlines for different reasons.

Last month, McGinn put pen to paper on a new deal to keep the club captain at Villa Park for another four years. The 28-year-old joined the club in 2018 and has been a key figure in the club's rise from the Championship.

In a statement, Aston Villa said: "He immediately endeared himself to the Villa support with his all-action displays in the middle of the park. One of the first names on the teamsheet ever since, the firm fans' favourite was named club captain last summer."

Meanwhile, Manchester United midfielder McTominay has been the subject of transfer rumours after an injury-riddled season at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag is on a rebuilding mission at the club and the arrival of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last summer has been followed by signing Mason Mount this window, leaving him stacked for options in the centre of the park.

As such, questions had been raised over McTominay's future with the Scotsman starting just 10 Premier League games last season.

A number of clubs have been linked with a move for the star, including West Ham United, Brighton and Newcastle United - although the latter's snapping up of Sando Tonali from AC Milan may see attentions turned to a new position.