Manchester United have been linked with a move for Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, with new interim manager Ralf Rangnick keen to strengthen his first-team squad.

What's the story?

According to The Sun, United are scouring the market for engine room options due to the uncertainty over several stars currently at the club.

The report states that: "JOHN McGINN is still on Manchester United’s radar as they prepare for a new future under Ralf Rangnick.

"United are in the market for midfield reinforcements as doubts continue to surround the long-term futures of the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Donny van de Beek."

It goes on to claim that Villa are set to demand upwards of £50m for their prized asset, who still has three and a half years left to run on his current contract with the Midlands outfit.

Rangnick can seal dream Man Utd deal

Enticing McGinn to Old Trafford over the coming months could prove to be a dream deal for United due to the £25,000-per-week gem's suitability for Rangnick's famous Gegenpessing style of play.

As per FBref.com, the Scotland international has made 4.63 successful pressures per 90 this season, 1.42 successful tackles, 4.55 progressive passes and 1.57 interceptions, outperforming compatriot Scott McTominay in each metric.

In addition to those eye-catching underlying numbers, McGinn has also bagged three goals and laid on a further two assists in his 14 outings, further highlighting his top-class ability.

And the box-to-box dynamo has caught the eye of several onlookers with his outstanding performances in recent weeks.

On the BBC Radio 5 Live Daily Podcast (as relayed by ReadAstonVilla), pundit Micah Richards lauded McGinn's displays of late in the absence of Jack Grealish following his summer switch to Manchester City.

He said: “John McGinn, he’s really, really impressed me. He was a bit in the shadow of Jack Grealish and he’s not as technically great, but he gives so much to that team, energy, he runs in behind, he tackles and he’s got everything, he really has.”

His new manager Steven Gerrard was equally as impressed following Villa's 2-1 win over Leicester City on Sunday, hailing the diminutive star's passing.

"Some of his passing today was outstanding, so I'm super pleased with John over the past few games, the challenge for him now is for him to stay in this place," he said.

Therefore, McGinn could be the ideal candidate to excel under the tutelage of Rangnick at United, and he could be set to become the first acquisition of his reign at Old Trafford.

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