Transfer News: Aston Villa Sets Bar High With Hopes Of Foiling Liverpool's Pursuit Of McGinn

Liverpool has its sights set on possibly acquiring John McGinn, but it appears that pursuit may be scorned.

Aston Villa has reportedly set a stiff asking price for the Scottish player, a development that could dash any hope of the Reds snagging the midfielder.

The actual asking fee of Aston Villa was not revealed. However, a report claims that the club is more likely to seek a fee of not less than £45 million ($62 million).

Although it is not as high as the asking price of Aston Villa for Jack Grealish pegged at £100 million ($138 million), Liverpool is expected to explore the market for other talents instead.

A reason for this is that Liverpool employs a recruitment strategy but on a set budget.

Liverpool may not have that kind of money to take in McGinn. But if they are determined, the only way to get the deal to go down is if they sell some of their players, The Athletic reported.

There are some players the Reds could sell, particularly the ones who are not being utilized regularly.

The 26-year-old holds potential, but critics do not see him as a star and question if he is worth the aforementioned release fee that Aston Villa wants.

But if there is someone who can make the proper assessment if all this is worth it, it would be Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds manager is a big fan of McGinn, a reason why Liverpool has expressed interest. He was viewed as a potential replacement for Georgino Wijnaldum.

However, a stiff price may now snuff all that.

McGinn signed a five-year deal last December and has made 111 appearances for Aston Villa.

In addition, he has scored 13 goals. However, Aston Villa has struggled when he is not in the team.

This shows how important the Scottish player is for Dean Smith and company.