Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has claimed Aston Villa could value John McGinn at £60million if Manchester United’s interest in the Scot intensifies this summer.

The Villa midfielder McGinn has emerged as an option to bolster United’s midfield according to The Telegraph, who claim his dominant midfield profile with leadership qualities appeals to the club’s hierarchy. Former boss Sir Alex Ferguson is also a “big fan” according to The Sun.

However, Villa would understandably be reluctant to sell another star player two summers in a row after Jack Grealish ordered a record Premier League transfer fee to join Manchester City last year.

McGinn is Villa’s vice-captain and is a big part of Steven Gerrard’s plans to move forward with three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.

But Whelan says a big offer from United could ‘force Villa’s hand’.

“I don’t think it will take Grealish money to do this deal,” he told Football Insider.

“I think it will be around £50-60m.

“It would really force Aston Villa’s hand and give them serious thought.

“However, Villa are building a team that can fight in that top six. They won’t stop spending. It’s an exciting time for them, and they could have the longevity to break into that group of players. club elite.

“Steven Gerrard gets the support. They want to put together a team of players who can compete in this league. Would McGinn want to leave that behind?

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