Aston Villa are moving decisively to protect their prized assets as Brendan Rodgers plots an ambitious double raid for midfield dynamo John McGinn and defender Matty Cash.
The Midlands club are taking proactive measures to secure their squad's future amid growing interest from Celtic manager Rodgers, who has identified the Villa pair as primary summer targets. This comes as Villa work tirelessly to extend the contracts of several key first-team players.
Rodgers' Celtic Revolution Targets Villa Duo
Brendan Rodgers, having returned to Celtic with championship-winning pedigree, is determined to bolster his squad with proven Premier League quality. The Northern Irishman sees McGinn's relentless energy and Cash's attacking full-back prowess as ideal additions for his Celtic rebuild.
"Rodgers appreciates the Premier League-tested qualities both players would bring to Parkhead," sources close to the situation reveal. "McGinn's leadership and Cash's versatility make them particularly attractive prospects for a club competing on domestic and European fronts."
Villa's Contract Counter-Offensive
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are not standing idly by. The club's hierarchy has initiated contract talks with several first-team regulars, creating a potential obstacle to Rodgers' transfer ambitions.
Villa's strategy is clear: secure their core talent before the summer window opens, making it significantly more difficult for suitors like Celtic to prize away their most valuable players. This proactive approach demonstrates Villa's determination to build on their recent progress under Unai Emery.
The McGinn-Cash Conundrum
John McGinn remains a cult hero at Villa Park, his combative style and technical ability making him a fan favourite and crucial component of Emery's system. Similarly, Matty Cash has established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent right-backs since his arrival from Nottingham Forest.
Losing either player would represent a significant blow to Villa's European aspirations, hence the urgency in securing their long-term futures. The coming weeks will prove crucial in determining whether Rodgers' interest materializes into formal bids, or if Villa's contract efforts successfully ward off Celtic's advances.
