Leeds United are in hot pursuit of Hibernian’s midfield maestro John McGinn as the Whites enter a huge transfer hunt for the 23-year-old’s capture, according to a journalist.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon has claimed on his personal Twitter account that the Whites want the central star to head to Elland Road after his impressive performances north of the border, and that he has had a £5million price tag slapped on his head.
The midfielder made 43 appearances in the season just past, having scored six goals and chipped in with eight assists, although his on pitch discipline issues have been clear as day, having picked up a startling 18 yellow cards.
Nixon also states that there are other clubs interested in securing his signature, with Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers both have previously been credited with interest.
Good move for Leeds?
The Whites actually have a lot of depth in their midfield and manager Paul Heckingbottom will have even more when the likes of Mateusz Klich return from loan spells away from the club.
However not everyone has lived up to expectation and fans want to see so much more from their side, especially those in the centre of the park, with Eunan O’Kane often singled out for criticism over the last 12 months.
McGinn has impressed in Scotland and helped Hibs to a reasonable finish in the Premiership, but making the move south of the border could be a step too far.
That £5million price tag should also have some alarm bells ringing, for his record is not spectacular.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
Not at £5million.
That sort of money is still a lot for a side sitting in England’s second tier and to splash that cash, Heckingbottom and the board would want almost a guaranteed impact on the first team.
McGinn, as good as he might be, cannot offer any sort of guarantee having not played in England yet and it may be that Hibs’ demands ward off the Whites’ interests.
With Celtic and Rangers both said to be interested in the past, a move across Scotland seems much more likely, and probably best for his career at this stage.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10