Aston Villa are reportedly considering a reunion with James Milner on a free transfer while John McGinn could be offered a new contract amid interest from Liverpool and Man Utd.
The summer transfer window will be the second opportunity for Steven Gerrard to stamp his mark on the squad, having brought in key individuals such as Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho in January.
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With the benefit of a few more months to assess his current players and identify where we can improve, it’s hoped that he can make the right signings, and ultimately trim the squad where necessary too if he believes that certain individuals need to either face more competition or perhaps even moved on and replaced.
Milner free transfer touted, McGinn new contract to fend off interest
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Villa are interested in bringing Milner back to Villa Park on a free transfer this summer, with his current Liverpool contract set to expire at the end of the season.
It’s added that Crystal Palace are also keen on the 36-year-old, and so it remains to be seen firstly if Villa’s interest is real, and whether or not we can convince him to make the move back to Birmingham.
Given his vast experience and the professionalism that he has shown throughout his career, coupled with his previous ties with the club having been a key player for us in the past, it’s a move that could make sense to add more of a senior presence in what is a young Villa squad.
It also remains to be seen if he would act as a replacement for Ashley Young or complement him, with the Villa stalwart’s deal set to end this summer.
Elsewhere, the Mirror have reported that both Liverpool and Man Utd are showing interest in McGinn, but Gerrard is keen to see the Scottish international sign a new contract to secure his long-term future at the club and fend off that interest.
McGinn’s current deal with Villa runs until 2025, and so it remains to be seen if any new agreement would not only extend his stay but also result in a salary adjustment to help convince him to commit his future.
The 27-year-old has firmly established himself as a fundamental figure in our squad since joining us in 2018, making 132 appearances since, and playing a vital role in our progression during that time from a Championship side to one now pushing to try and break into Europe.
In turn, it would be no surprise if Gerrard and Villa are keen to agree on new terms, thus ruling out a summer exit and continuing to build with him playing an important role.