Tottenham ‘target John McGinn as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his midfield with Aston Villa star

Tottenham have registered an interest in signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn during the summer transfer window, according to The Telegraph. 

Antonio Conte is keen to revamp his squad and says six new faces will help Tottenham challenge for trophies, not just a Champions League spot next term. 

The Scotland international – who arrived at Aston Villa for just £2.5million – has scored three goals and registered three assists in 33 top flight appearances this season. 

Tottenham are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn in the summer

McGinn has been an ever-present figure in the Aston Villa squad – having been a part of the team that got the club promoted from the Championship.  

Since then, McGinn has established himself as a mainstay in the starting XI – having made 33 Premier League appearances during the 2021-2022 campaign. 

His contribution has not only captured the attention of Conte, but kept Villa in contention for a top-half finish heading into their final two games of the season. 

Spurs boss Antonio Conte is looking to add six new players to the current Tottenham squad

McGinn was named as this months international player of the year by the Scottish Football Writers’ Association after starting Scotland’s three games at the Euros last year

The 27-year-old has also excelled on the international stage – having started Scotland’s three games at the Euros last year.

McGinn’s impressive form was even recognised by the Scottish Football Writers’ Association as they awarded him the international player of the year this month.  

As a result, Conte is looking to lure the midfielder away from Aston Villa this summer and persuade him to join Tottenham instead. 

Conte thinks a move to Tottenham could be appealing for multiple reasons. The first being Spurs are effectively one point off securing a Champions League place next season – meaning they only need a draw against Norwich City on Sunday. 

The second factor is the financial side of the deal. McGinn is not among the highest paid players at Villa and could benefit from changing clubs. 

Conte is keen to add McGinn to his ranks as Harry Winks (L) is expected to leave this summer

However, McGinn is contracted to Villa Park for another three seasons – meaning Tottenham will have to pay more than they would have liked to activate his release clause. 

Nevertheless, Conte will continue to keep tabs on McGinn’s situation at Tottenham and will prepare to make a move later in the summer. 

Last summer the club signed Cristian Romero, Bryan Gil, Emerson Royal and Pape Matar Sarr, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski arriving in January. 

Bentancur has performed well under Conte’s tutelage this season. However, they are still in the market for an additional midfielder as Harry Winks could depart this summer and Tanguy Ndombele is currently out of favour.