Credit: Imago

Wayne Veysey

Thu 7 August 2025 10:38, UK

Newcastle United have opened preliminary talks to sign Aston Villa captain John McGinn, sources have told Football Insider.

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Eddie Howe has given the green light to the club moving for the 30-year-old.

Newcastle have turned their attention to McGinn after being encouraged that he would be keen on a move to St James’ Park.

Everton’s swoop for the Scotland international was rebuffed earlier in the summer.

But that has not put off Newcastle, who want a proven central midfielder after losing Sean Longstaff to Leeds.

Newcastle want McGinn (Credit: Imago)

Last month (10 July), Football Insider revealed that Aston Villa had rejected an enquiry from Everton about the availability of McGinn.

Villa told the Merseyside club that their captain was not for sale, and that no bids for him would be considered.

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Now the Midlands giants are facing yet another approach for McGinn, with Newcastle being the interested party on this occasion.

Sources say that the Scotland international was unhappy with being subbed off early by Unai Emery in a number of big Villa games last season.

McGinn saw his minutes drop towards the latter stages of the 2024/25 campaign, sparking rumours of a move this summer.

Emery could face a challenge to keep McGinn (Credit: Imago)

Meanwhile, Liverpool are set to “shatter” the British transfer record as they intensify their bid to sign Newcastle star Alexander Isak with a new mega offer, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on 28 July that the Reds are increasingly “confident” of signing Isak and are planning to lodge a new bid imminently.

Arne Slot’s side are willing to pay £120m plus add-ons to land the Sweden international and club-to-club talks continue behind the scenes at St James’ Park.

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