Liverpool has been linked with a surprise approach for Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, two years after Manchester United refused to make a bid despite Sir Alex Ferguson's pleas.
McGinn, a Scottish midfielder, has become a vital player for Villa in recent years, helping the club return to the Premier League and climb the standings.
The Sun reported immediately after their promotion in the summer of 2019 that Ferguson, the famous United manager, was a fan of McGinn.
They said he was 'lobbying' United bosses to consider signing his fellow Scot after being pleased with his performances.
Bobby Jenks, the former Aston Villa scout who helped lure McGinn to the West Midlands, appeared to validate similar rumors a few months later.
“He's up there with the best-performing midfielders in the division,” Jenks told The Athletic. We'll know more after he's played at that level for a year.
“What I do know is that Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson is perplexed as to why a gifted Scottish lad was allowed to slip through the cracks.
“He'll be keeping a careful eye on him, for sure, and if he keeps acting like this, you can bet he'll tell his United buddies about it.”
Ferguson stated that he holds McGinn in high regard ahead of this summer's European Championship.
“With McGinn coming through at Aston Villa, we've got some pretty excellent midfielders, and hopefully that's where the strength will come from,” he remarked. “I'm hopeful.”
United, on the other hand, has ignored the advice, and no deal for McGinn has ever materialized.
After disobeying Ferguson's advice, United might now gain from Liverpool's genuine interest in the 26-year-old, according to The Athletic.
After Georginio Wijnaldum's departure, the Reds are looking for a midfielder, and Klopp is claimed to have been impressed by McGinn's engine, asking international team-mate Andy Robertson if he "ever stops running."
McGinn was a key player in Villa's 7-2 victory over Liverpool at the start of the season.
However, he signed a five-year contract in December, putting a £45m-£50m price tag on his head.
Last year, manager Dean Smith stated that large clubs will approach the club, but that they would be met with a firm response.
"The big clubs can call, but they'll get a quick response; he's a player we want here at Aston Villa," Smith said.
"From the time he went onto the Villa Park pitch and demonstrated just what a player he is, his worth skyrocketed; he has a tremendous energy level and a big, great heart, but people don't notice the technical aspect of it - which he has in spades."
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