Newcastle United are clearly in need of a new centre-midfielder, with Eddie Howe making his move to replace Sean Longstaff.
The Magpies are light in the middle of the park with Longstaff joining Leeds, while the situation has been made worse by Joe Willock’s injury.
Eddie Howe has said Newcastle want to buy a midfielder to replace Longstaff, despite striker being the club’s top priority at the moment.
Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni is linked with Newcastle, but now a player with a lot more Premier League experience is on Howe’s radar.
Newcastle United ask Aston Villa about John McGinn
Newcastle United could turn to Premier League rivals Aston Villa in their search for midfield reinforcements.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United have launched an enquiry for John McGinn.
McGinn is not the only Aston Villa player who Newcastle United have asked about, with interest also shown in his teammate Jacob Ramsey.
That makes it three Villa players that Howe is interested in, as Ollie Watkins is also a Newcastle target.
But McGinn is the newest name to be rumoured with a move to St James’ Park, and he would add much needed experience to the middle of the pitch.
The 30-year-old is Aston Villa’s captain and has been a consistent figure in their side for seven straight years. In total, McGinn has made 285 appearances in all competitions for Villa.
What Steve Bruce said about signing John McGinn
Newcastle United moving for McGinn would get the seal of approval from Steve Bruce, who was the man that brought the Scot to Aston Villa back in 2018.
McGinn had been a target for Celtic and looked destined to move to Parkhead. However, the former Newcastle United manager was able to swoop in and strike a deal to bring him to Villa Park from Hibernian.
Since then, Bruce has hailed McGinn as one of his best ever signings.
“A club like Villa – we didn’t have £2million, but in the end we got him,” Bruce told Sky Sports in November 2019.
“How we got him out of Celtic I don’t know because his grandfather was the chairman. It took a couple of games of golf at the Belfry with his dad until we could muster the money together!
“I am delighted for the kid because he is a smashing lad. He has to be one of my best ever signings because he has a determination to do well.
“I wish I could find a few more like him that’s for sure.”
While McGinn might not have quite the same kind of impact at St James’ Park, he could prove to be a very smart signing for Eddie Howe.
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