Aston Villa are in talks with influential midfielder John McGinn over a new long-term deal.
Villa want to tie down McGinn beyond 2022, when his current deal expires, and fend off West Ham and Leicester who have both been monitoring the 24-year-old.
McGinn had caught their attention as he helped inspire Villa to promotion last season. He scored seven goals and set up 10 more in 43 Championship appearances.
Villa's promotion, via their play-off final victory over Derby in which McGinn scored the winner and was named man of the match, boosted their chances of keeping their best players.
They are now confident of reaching an agreement with McGinn, whose extension could be finalised in the next few weeks.
Scotland international McGinn joined Villa last summer from Hibs for just £3million and proved to be one of the bargains of the season, winning both the players' and fans' player of the season award.
And the tireless midfielder's importance to the club was underlined by talisman and captain Jack Grealish.
Following Villa's Wembley win over Derby, Grealish said: 'I didn't have a clue who he was. '[Former manager] Steve Bruce pulled me aside one day and said, "We've got a good player coming in - John McGinn".
'Since he has been here, he's been unbelievable, a breath of fresh air. He is one of the best I have ever played with - and I've played with some decent players.
'He's such a popular figure in the dressing room, off the pitch. He gets so much credit from the fans and we can see why.'
Rewarding McGinn with a new deal is one of the tasks on Villa's long to-do list this summer ahead of their Premier League return.
They have strengthened their squad by completing the signings of attacking midfielder Jota, winger Anwar El Ghazi, striker Wesley and defender Kortney Hause.
El Ghazi and Hause were both on loan at Villa Park last season and had their moves turned into permanent deals.
Villa are keen to do the same with Bournemouth's Tyrone Mings and Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe.
They are also in the market for a goalkeeper, with Stoke's £20m Jack Butland their preferred choice, a back-up striker and up to two holding midfielders.
iunderstand
0
as if after the season he has just had he would leave Villa. No chance.
Kolagay
0
Fantastic player. Reads the game brilliantly and works hard for the team. Sign him up. UTV
campuser
0
There is a real feel good factor around Villa Park, a feeling that these new owners are the real deal and not just because of the promotion, even when we were struggling in mid season we were pulling in over 40,000 regularly. No disrespect to Leicester or West Ham but I doubt anyone is going to be in a hurry to leave us unless its a top 6 club.
satisfied
0
I'd hate to see McGinn leave but don't believe he will anyway. Quality midfielder that reads the game so well. One of the best players to pull on a Villa shirt in recent years. UTV