Aston Villa have been the form team in the Championship since the turn of the year, with Dean Smith's side preparing for the play-offs. 

One player that has played a starring role in their good run of form is John McGinn, who's certainly adjusted well to the demands of English football since arriving from Hibernian in the summer of 2018.

In an interview with Football Insider, Noel Whelan feels that McGinn could be the subject of interest from Premier League clubs in the summer if the Villans aren't promoted.

"I would very much think that Premier League sides, or even sides that are getting promoted already.

"Sheffield United and Norwich will be looking at players like that who can cope with the demands of the Premier League and also, if they come back down, know they’ve got a player that knows how to get out of the Championship."

Whelan admitted that he doesn't expect them to want to sell McGinn, although they could have their hands forced if the Scotsman tries to force a move away from Villa Park.

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"I’m pretty sure a club the size of Aston Villa are not a selling club so it’s entirely up to them. If the player feels he wants to give it a shot, then sometimes it’s hard to stand in their way."

An interesting summer awaits for Aston Villa, with departures likely if Dean Smith's side don't return to the Premier League this season.

The Verdict: 

He's not wrong.

McGinn has really impressed me this season and it certainly wouldn't come as a surprise to see clubs tracking him if Aston Villa don't win promotion.

He's been key to their promotion bid and without him, there's no doubt in saying that they wouldn't even be in contention of a return to the top-flight.