Liverpool have been linked with a surprise move for Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn - two years after Manchester United ignored Sir Alex Ferguson’s calls for them to make a move.
Scottish midfielder McGinn has emerged as a key figure for Villa in recent years, helping lead them back to the Premier League and up the table.
It was shortly after their promotion in the summer of 2019 that The Sun reported that legendary United boss Ferguson was an admirer of McGinn.
They claimed that he was ‘lobbying’ United chiefs to consider a move for his fellow Scot having been impressed by his performances.
A few months later, those reports appeared to be confirmed by Bobby Jenks, the former Aston Villa scout who helped bring McGinn to the West Midlands.
Jenks told The Athletic: “He’s up there with the best-performing midfielders in the division. Wait until he’s had a year at that level and then we can say more.
“What I do know is that Sir Alex Ferguson is wondering why Manchester United let a talented Scottish boy slip through.
“He’ll be keeping a close eye on him that’s for sure and if he continues the way he is, you can bet he’ll be telling his pals at United, too.”
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Ferguson confirmed ahead of this summer’s European Championship that he holds McGinn in high regard.
He said: “McGinn coming through at Aston Villa has been fantastic, so we've got some really good midfielders and hopefully that's where the strength will come from. I'm optimistic.”
But United have failed to heed his advice and a move for McGinn has never materialised.
After ignoring Ferguson’s advice, United may now see their arch rivals Liverpool benefit with The Athletic reporting they hold a genuine interest in the 26-year-old.
The Reds are eyeing a midfielder after Georginio Wijnaldum’s departure, and Klopp is said to have been impressed by McGinn’s engine, asking international team-mate Andy Robertson if he “ever stops running”.
McGinn starred in Villa’s 7-2 win over Liverpool early last season.
But he signed a five-year deal back in December leading to a £45m-£50m price tag being placed on his head.
Speaking last year, manager Dean Smith insisted big clubs would come calling but be met with a clear response.
"The big clubs can come calling but they'll get a short, swift reply. He's a player we want here at Aston Villa," said Smith.
"His value shot up from the moment he stepped out onto the Villa Park pitch and showed just what a player he is. He has an unbelievable energy level and a big, big heart, but people don't see the technical side of it as well – he's got that in abundance."
