Exclusive: Aston Villa now close to agreeing fresh deal with Midfielder after opening talks over new contract as player performs U-turn on future following club’s progress under Unai Emery

Talks are now ongoing between Aston Villa and Midfielder John McGinn over a new contract at the club, sources have told Football Insider.

The 28-year-old club captain, who has two years left on his current agreement, is seen as a key member of Unai Emery’s squad. It is believed Aston Villa chiefs want to tie McGinn down to a long-term deal to ward off potential summer interest.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Midlands giants are happy with the Scot’s contributions – and he remains happy at Villa Park especially since the arrival of Unai Emery at the club. The player was reportedly in frame for an exit but has now decided to stay put and commit his long term future after seeing the club’s progress under the guidance of the Spaniard.

There is optimism on both sides about reaching a new agreement in the coming weeks.

McGinn is set to follow centre-back Tyrone Mings in signing a new deal at Aston Villa – after the England international signed a fresh three-and-a-half-year contract earlier this year, keeping him at the club until June 2026.

The Scotland international signed his last extension in December 2020, a deal which earns him a reported £55,000-a-week.

He made 36 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign, notching one goal and three assists. McGinn featured in a range of roles for Emery’s side, including on both flanks in the Spaniard’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

The former Hibernian star has made 183 appearances in total for Aston Villa, notching 17 goals and 26 assists.

Emery’s side will play Europa Conference League football in the 2023-24 campaign after achieving a seventh-place finish. Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara and Leander Dendoncker are among the other midfield stars in the ranks at Villa Park.