Aston Villa must avoid selling John McGinn at all costs this summer after Lee Hendrie's transfer claim.

What's the story?

Amid Dean Smith's side's impressive performances this season, Jack Grealish remains hot property, with Premier League leaders Manchester City said to be preparing a money-spinning offer.

Hendrie has followed up on that by saying that if Grealish were to depart this summer, then that could in turn convince some of Villa's other key players, like McGinn, to potentially leave too.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: "I don't know how it's going to affect the players (a potential Grealish sale) and that's my big worry. I hope that if Jack does end up going, that it doesn't affect McGinn and he wants to go because I know that he's been linked away from the club as well."

Dean Smith must stand firm

While naturally all the attention seems to be surrounding whether Grealish will stay or go, rival clubs in the Premier League are also keeping a close eye on some of Villa's other main stars.

According to West Ham insider ExWHUemployee, the Hammers are interested in signing McGinn this summer, saying: "Players who Moyes is interested in when he was at the club before…McGinn of Aston Villa. We haven’t made any offers for them. Moyes liked him before and Moyes still likes him. There are realistic expectations that we could go for him."

With two goals and six assists in the Premier League this season, McGinn has been a permanent fixture in Smith's starting line-up, failing to play the full 90 minutes in just one game, and even that was down to suspension.

It's no surprise then that the Scottish ace has earned rave reviews for his performances, with Sky Sports and Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards waxing lyrical about him.

He said: "This season he’s been absolutely incredible, back to the John McGinn I know. A lot of shine goes off of him because of Grealish because Grealish does the little bits that make people stand up on their chairs, but in terms of hard work, putting in tackles, goals and assists, John McGinn is a top, top player.

"Villa have been a successful side largely down to him as well and his work-rate in there."

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And, speaking last summer, former Villa ace Allan Evans hailed what the midfielder offers to Smith's side, saying: "John has really been a saviour for Aston Villa. They were in a difficult situation and he was exactly the kind of guy they needed to get out of trouble. John has been a real star for the club."

Make no mistake about it, Smith would be making a major blunder by cashing in on the £35m-rated dynamo.

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