Aston Villa boss Dean Smith rules out John McGinn sale amid Man United talk

Manager Dean Smith has reiterated that Aston Villa have no interest in parting ways with John McGinn.

Having scored 10 goals from 54 outings since joining from Hibernian last summer, the midfielder has been linked with an eventual switch to Manchester United.

However, after McGinn produced another strong showing in Saturday's Premier League fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion, Smith took the opportunity to talk up the importance of keeping the 24-year-old in the West Midlands.

Smith is quoted by The Express as saying: "The big clubs can come calling but they'll get a short, swift reply. He's a player we want here at Aston Villa.

"His value shot up from the moment he stepped out onto the Villa Park pitch and showed just what a player he is. He has an unbelievable energy level and a big, big heart, but people don't see the technical side of it as well – he's got that in abundance."

The Scotland international only penned a new five-year contract earlier this summer.