Brendan Rodgers desperately wanted Aston Villa star John McGinn this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Aston Villa are currently on the hunt for a new manager. One of the names that has been heavily linked with the position is Brendan Rodgers. The Celtic boss has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the Glasgow giants, but that has not stopped the rumours circulating.

However, it appears very unlikely that Rodgers will be taking the job at Villa Park. In a bizarre sense of irony, that robs him of the chance to work with a player he desperately wanted to sign this summer.

Aston Villa signed John McGinn from Hibernian this summer for a fee in the region of £2.75 million.

Celtic had also been interested in the Scotland international. As reported by The Scottish Sun, the Bhoys had three bids rejected for the player this summer. A £2 million offer was the final one tabled by Celtic for his services. They valued him at £4 million if selling to a Scottish rival.

Celtic would not stump up the cash and it left Rodgers very disappointed.

“I spoke to John at length [on Wednesday]. He was already gone. It was just to wish him all the very best.

“It was a great move for him, but disappointment for us of course, especially when he is a lifelong Celtic supporter.”

– Brendan Rodgers on missing out in John McGinn pursuit

It even sparked rumours of a rift at Celtic, with many suggesting that Rodgers was not getting the backing he deserved from his board.

It does, however, appear that Rodgers will be remaining in Glasgow, making this just another nearly moment between the two men.