Aston Villa made a surprise announcement on Wednesday afternoon and no, it wasn't their sixth signing of the summer transfer window.

The Midlands outfit confirmed that manager Steven Gerrard has named midfielder John McGinn as their new captain, taking over from Tyrone Mings.

"John has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the captaincy through his performances on the pitch combined with his attitude and application in training," the head coach revealed. "He is a popular member of the dressing room who sets high standards and expectations of himself."

Now, it could be time for sporting director Johan Lange to deliver on the transfer front, and with Villa thought to be interested in PSV Eindhoven star Ibrahim Sangare, McGinn could get the perfect midfield partner for the new campaign.

Earlier this week, Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece revealed that the Ivory Coast international was "one that has been mentioned in circles at Villa" and that there was "a lot of interest in him."

Imagine him and John McGinn

Primarily a defensively-minded powerhouse, the presence of the 24-year-old could allow McGinn more freedom to lead from the front as he looks to provide goals and assists from the engine room.

Sangare, in the past, has been likened to two Premier League greats in Yaya Toure and Michael Essien.

"Physically, he’s like Yaya Toure but he reminds me of Michael Essien," African journalist Alpha Balde claimed (via GOAL). "I saw Essien at the start of his career and they had the same physical strength at an equal age. Sangare is also passionate."

The PSV monster also led the squad for tackles (3.3 per game) and interceptions (2.6 per game), and continued that form in the Europa League, where he recorded 3.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions, proving that he can do it on the big stage as well as in the Eredivisie.

Also lauded as a "complete player" by former Toulouse boss Alain Casanova, it's evident that Sangare's defensive intelligence could allow someone like McGinn, who will be buoyed by the captain's armband, to thrive up the pitch.

Meanwhile, scout Jacek Kulig has previously dubbed him a "top talent", so that should set pulses racing around Birmingham, with Villa thought to be keen on the PSV sensation.

As such, Lange must now look to complete a move for the 6 foot 3 titan, who has a reported release clause of just €35m (£30m).

AND in other news, Journo backs Aston Villa chief Johan Lange to seal striker swoop...