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Aston Villa have been linked with Hibernian starlet John McGinn and Bristol City’s left-back Joe Bryan, which are encouraging signs from the club.
Words by Mark Jirobe (@VillaMarkPGH)
Rumors have been circulating over the past few days about Bristol City defender Joe Bryan leaving Ashton Gate Stadium after not signing a new contract over the summer.
Manager Steve Bruce confirmed that Aston Villa have interest in the 24-year old, who made 48 appearances for Bristol City last season. Bryan is a very astute defender and would certainly bolster an area of the field where Aston Villa are lacking quality. Also, Bryan has been seen playing left-back or left-midfield for Bristol City over the course of his career with The Robins. A signing such as this for Aston Villa may just draw a line in the sand as to what the club is looking for in the final days of the transfer market.
“Look, he’s someone we have identified”, said Steve Bruce after a 3-1 win against Hull City to open the Aston Villa campaign. adding “We’re in talks with the club and I don’t think any deal has been reached yet.”
With eager new investment at Aston Villa, it seems the club wants to make smart-yet-sensible deals before the transfer deadline on August 9th. When asked if Villa will be big spenders at the 11th hour of the transfer window, Steve Bruce replied: “I think it is important that the message from the owners is that there is a plan in place. We need some younger, fresher legs in the club and with that it takes time.”
Another player who has been linked with the Villa is Hibernian central midfielder John McGinn. McGinn, like Bryan, has not signed a new contract with his club over the summer and a transfer out of Hibs seems to be most likely. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been rumored to be chasing the 23-year old McGinn, but now it is being reported that Aston Villa may swoop in with a bid of their own.
McGinn played in 43 contests for Hibs in 2017/2018, collecting 6 goals and 8 assists along the way. This season so far, McGinn has two goals and two assists through four games played. If Aston Villa are to secure the services of McGinn, they will have quite a magisterial passer in their ranks. With an arsenal of passing ability in his locker from weighted through-balls to lofted passes across the pitch, McGinn looks like he has the ability to improve every team he has been linked with in the central midfield area with his dynamic talent and dazzling left foot.
Reports today are that McGinn has travelled down to The Recon Training Complex for talks with the club, but a fee has not been agreed with Hibernian.
