John McGinn hoping Aston Villa can win promotion and keep defensive "colossus" Tyrone Mings
John McGinn hopes Villa can keep hold of defensive ‘colossus’ Tyrone Mings if they win promotion to the Premier League.
Mings has been a revelation since joining on loan from Bournemouth at the end of January and Villa will push to sign him on a permanent deal, should they beat Derby in the play-off final and secure a return to the top flight.
The 26-year-old has played a major role in fixing Villa’s previously leaky backline and helping Dean Smith’s men reach Wembley for the second year running.
A firm fans’ favourite, Mings was seen jumping into the away following in the celebrations which followed Tuesday’s dramatic semi-final shootout win over Albion, which booked their place in the May 27 showpiece.
Villa, who were unable to secure an option to buy in Mings’ loan deal, have a clause which allows them to match any bids from other clubs for the centre-back.
Very early talks over a permanent deal are thought to have taken place, though Villa’s hopes of them going further almost certainly rest on promotion.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe plans to sit down with Mings at the end of the season to discuss his future.
Midfield ace McGinn is in no doubt where he wants the centre-back to end up. He said: “Tyrone has been different class since he joined in January. It took us ages to get him!
“He is a colossus at the back. I just don’t know how he does not get a game for Bournemouth.
“If we can keep hold of Ty in the Premier League, if we get there, it would be brilliant for the club.”
Mings’s future is far from the only one likely to be determined by the outcome of the final.
Villa’s chances of signing fellow loanee Tammy Abraham will also be dependent on victory.
Goalkeeper Jed Steer, the hero of Tuesday night’s shootout win when he saved penalties from Mason Holgate and Ahmed Hegazi, has been linked with a possible Scotland call-up.
The 26-year-old is eligible to play for Scotland, who are now considering asking the former England under-19 international to switch allegiance.