Aston Villa player was open to leaving before Emery’s arrival with West Ham keen

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John McGinn was open to leaving Aston Villa with West Ham interested in signing the Scotland international, before he rediscovered his form under Unai Emery.

That is according to a report from The Athletic, which notes that McGinn has a close relationship with Emery after their first couple of conversations.

John McGinn has to be considered one of the most important signings the Villans have made in the last few years. Remarkably in an era when clubs are paying over £100 million for midfielders, Villa signed McGinn for £2 million.

He played a pivotal role in guiding the side to promotion. And he has remained a key player now that Villa are within four points of the Premier League summit.

But there was a spell during Steven Gerrard’s tenure when he was really struggling. And it seems that he was actually contemplating moving on, and potentially joining a top-flight rival.

John McGinn was eyeing Aston Villa exit with West Ham keen

According to The Athletic, McGinn was open to leaving Aston Villa. And West Ham were keen on signing the 29-year-old. However, he quickly struck up a great relationship with Unai Emery. And he has kicked on since then.

Villans would have rued losing Scotland international

Speaking to The Times, Tony Cascarino noted that McGinn is now a linchpin of the Aston Villa side having been playing really badly when Emery was appointed. Emery meanwhile, suggested earlier this season that he has been ‘amazing‘.

And missing out came back to haunt West Ham on Sunday. McGinn played his part in Villa thrashing David Moyes’ men 4-1.

West Ham may be content with the midfield they have still built. Of course, they sold Declan Rice in the summer. And that allowed them to sign the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus.

But there are probably not too many sides in the division who would not be willing to find a place for McGinn in their squads if the opportunity presented itself.

Thankfully for Villa, Emery managed to resolve the situation before McGinn’s desire to leave became too serious.