Aston Villa have sent a clear transfer message to any interested parties this summer after midfielder John McGinn was made captain this week, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Steven Gerrard is preparing his side for the 2022-23 campaign and made a big squad decision on Wednesday ahead of his first full season at Villa Park.
What has happened in the first-team squad?
On Wednesday it was announced Gerrard had made midfielder John McGinn the new captain ahead of the upcoming campaign.
It means centre-back Tyrone Mings has been stripped of his duties with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made vice-captain and Ashley Young club captain.
Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United were all linked with moves for the Scotland international this summer as he continues to go from strength to strength in the West Midlands.
After losing Jack Grealish to Manchester City 12 months ago, Villa will be determined to make it through this summer without another high-profile star departing.
What has Jones said on the big decision?
Jones has insisted that by making McGinn captain, Villa have sent out a very clear message to any interested clubs that their star man is not for sale.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think it's the right decision for Villa. John McGinn will be a good captain for that team. They want to be in those top positions in the league next season, the best of the rest, so let's see if they can actually do it. Let’s face it by giving McGinn the armband, you're also sending out a message that he is absolutely not on the transfer market in any shape or form.”
What does this mean for Aston Villa?
Like Jones says, it almost definitely means Villa have zero intention of selling McGinn this summer and, by accepting the responsibility, it could also be interpreted as the 27-year-old committing his future to the club.
The 48-cap Scotland international is incredibly popular at the club, making 147 appearances and helping them to promotion since making the move from Hibernian in 2018.
What this choice means for Mings remains to be seen. The fact he has not even been given the role of vice-captain is potentially very telling too.
Is this a hint that his game time could be about to diminish? Could Gerrard be looking to phase out the experienced defender next season? Diego Carlos has already signed this summer so a new partnership may well be on the cards.