Villa ready to rebuff Everton interest in captain John McGinn

No. 7 is a huge fan favourite.

Aston Villa captain John McGinn has emerged as a target for Everton, as they continue their rebuild under David Moyes.

The Scotland international has been a key figure in the team under the leadership of manager Unai Emery, impressing on hesgoal on a weekly basis. Despite Everton’s interest in the influential midfielder, Emery is not keen on letting the player go, who has played a significant role in Villa’s recent resurgence.

30-year-old McGinn has been instrumental in Villa’s revival from languishing in the Championship to competing at the upper echelons of the Premier League, since his £2.75m transfer from Hibernian in August 2018.

He has not only been a consistent performer but also a leader on and off the pitch. Under Emery’s management, John McGinn has become a focal point of the Villa side that competed in the Champions League last season. The team narrowly missed out on another campaign in Europe’s elite competition on the final day of the previous term.

Toffees said to be very keen on McGinn

Everton, under the stewardship of David Moyes, are undergoing a significant squad rebuild this summer. Moyes is an admirer of McGinn and is keen on strengthening his midfield.

Everton have recently signed Carlos Alcaraz in a £12.5m deal from Brazilian side Flamengo and the renewal of Senegal international Idrissa Gueye’s contract until June 2026, with an option for a further year.

However, Everton’s midfield took a hit with the departure of Abdoulaye Doucoure

at the end of June after his contract expired. This loss has intensified the need for a strong and experienced midfielder, a role that McGinn could potentially fill.

Despite Everton’s initial interest in McGinn, Villa and Emery currently have no intention of selling the Glasgow-born player. McGinn’s influence on the team, both in terms of his leadership and his on-field performances, makes him a valuable asset that Villa is keen to retain.

While Everton’s interest in McGinn is understandable given his performances and leadership, Aston Villa’s determination to keep their captain signals their ambition for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen how this transfer saga unfolds, but for now, McGinn remains a vital part of Villa’s plans.