John McGinn looks almost certain to leave Easter Road this summer but where will the midfielder end up should he depart for pastures new?
Aston Villa, Sunderland, Celtic and Rangers have been linked by various media outlets with an interest in the 23 year old whilst Hibs remain hopeful he’ll see out the final year of his contract although this potentially rules out a cash windfall to strengthen the squad.
A bid of around £3 million is the most commonly found figure when reading any article surrounding McGinn and despite former club St Mirren receiving a sell on clause percentage it would still provide a decent war chest for Neil Lennon to enhance his side prior to the Europa League qualifiers.
Despite numerous stories linking Rangers with the Scotland international, Ibrox is the least likely destination for McGinn.
Despite the bluster coming from ‘Gers and all the media hype over the “Steven Gerrard revolution” the facts remain they’re in hock up to their necks and remain a financial basket case with little sign of things changing whilst Dave King remains as chairman.
Hibs refusal to do business with them over Scott Allan still rankles most of a bluenose persuasion so it’s the most unlikely of all.
Villa and Sunderland would be intriguing moves if either of them were to come off however McGinn may well see League One as a step in the wrong direction at this stage of his career despite the Mackems relatively high profile South of the border.
Fallen giants Villa on the other hand could be a fine fit for the midfielder with the competitive nature of the English Championship a good match for a player who can mix it up when needed as well as providing a driving force from the centre of the park.
The Midlands outfit are not without their own cash troubles to seek at the moment however.
Talk of the manager leaving, the recently departed CEO taking the club to a tribunal and the owner thinking of selling makes a move to Birmingham look a little less attractive.
Celtic of course are the favourites. Seen by many as a long term successor to Scott Brown and with historical links to Parkhead, McGinn has long been linked with a move along the M8.
Throw in a potential permanent return to Easter Road for last season’s loanee, the aforementioned Scott Allan, then the attraction to do business with the Premiership Champions becomes a little more bearable.
McGinn is the type of character who would thrive at either Celtic or Villa Park and further enhance his international credentials which, given no further interest in the player, is likely to be one of the most uppermost thoughts in his mind when mulling over his future.
