Newcastle United eye a transfer for all-action midfield ace: A smashing move by the club?

Newcastle United may make a move for Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn before the 2020-21 season, as per reports.

Magpies boss Steve Bruce signed McGinn from Hibernian when he was Villa’s manager, and wants a reunion with the midfielder.

According to Daily Star, Bruce has earmarked McGinn for a role at St. James’ Park next season, along with Danny Rose, who is currently on loan at the club from Tottenham.

The report states that the Magpies manager could make a move for McGinn if Villa are relegated from the Premier League.

McGinn moved to Aston Villa from Scottish side Hibernian in 2018. He had a good spell for Villa in the Championship, helping them to promotion, and also showed good form in the first half of this season, before an unfortunate injury halted his season.

John McGinn to Newcastle United – A smashing move by the club?

Before fracturing his ankle in December, John McGinn was one of the bright spots for Villa, in a season where they have mostly been in the relegation zone.

The Scotsman’s drive and energy from midfield caught the eyes of fans and even other clubs in the Premier League, as Manchester United also looked at him closely.

The 25-year-old is a dynamic midfielder who has a lot of energy, and can get from one box to another with speed.

McGinn has averaged 2 dribbles per game in the league this season, while playing an average of 3.1 long balls per game. The Scottish international has shone in a struggling Aston Villa side, who are battling relegation.

If Villa do go down, McGinn – and captain Jack Grealish – will be hot property in the transfer window. Newcastle United should make a move for McGinn, who has energy, creativity and good dribbling skills.

The Magpies’ midfield is not very strong, with the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff blowing hot and cold. There is also some doubt about the future of Matty Longstaff, who could potentially leave the club.

This means that Bruce needs depth in the middle of the park, as well as quality, to help Newcastle push on and break into the top 10 next season. McGinn’s creativity and dribbling would be a welcome addition to a Newcastle midfield that has looked bereft of ideas in most of the games, and have played defensively.

Stats via Whoscored