Former England striker Kevin Phillips believes Aston Villa duo Tyrone Mings and John McGinn could be good options for West Bromwich Albion if they are to replace their local rivals in the Premier League next season (via West Brom News).
Slaven Bilic’s side currently occupy one of the Championship’s automatic promotion places, whilst Villa face the possibility of relegation. Dean Smith’s side are currently in the drop zone, two points adrift of Watford in 17th position – although the Villans have a game in hand.
Phillips, who represented Aston Villa, West Brom and Birmingham City, believes that in McGinn’s case, Albion would be “fighting with other clubs” for his signature, while in regards to Mings, he said: “He speaks very highly of the area and wouldn’t have to move, so maybe that could be an option.”
How have the fans responded to their former player tipping their local rivals to raid their squad this summer?
— Gemma Moore (@Gemmz28) April 29, 2020
As if they’d lower their standards to playing in front of 29.000 and boiler as a mascot ???
— Cannock villan (@cannock_villa) April 29, 2020
Funniest thing all day?
— Aston Villa (@SammyEv2) April 29, 2020
Come on seriously I think the self isolation has seriously sent Kev a bit loopy ??
— Darren Avfc Judge (@dazjudge) April 29, 2020
did he actually say this, surely not
— Daniel Bowden (@DanB5826) April 29, 2020
Were you surprised by Kevin Phillips' comments?
Yes
No
??? class tweet! If West Brom get Mings old boots then I’d be very surprised
— carl mitchell (@carlmitchav1874) April 29, 2020
I’m surprised KP didn’t mention Jack all 3 for a tenner + throw in Messi+ Ronaldo for good measure ???
— Mark Taylor (@151169) April 29, 2020
What do we think?
These Aston Villa fans have laughed off Phillips’ comments. With plenty of potential football still to be played, both clubs could still have plenty of time for their fortunes to change. Tyrone Mings’ current market value is £20.25m, while John McGinn’s stands at £14.4m, according to Transfermarkt.co.uk. However, if Villa were to be relegated, it would not be beyond reason for the Villans to lower their asking prices.
It’s worth noting, however, that there has been no evidence of any interest from Albion and this is purely based on Phillips’ own personal opinion.