Alan Stubbs has claimed Everton missed out on the chance to sign John McGinn, paving the way for Aston Villa to complete a transfer deal.
McGinn was snapped up by the West Midlands-based club in 2018 on the back of six successful years in Scotland, where he represented St Mirren and Hibernian.
Recruited by the latter in 2015, by then manager Stubbs, the 28-year-old played a starring role in Hibs' Scottish Cup and Championship titles before securing a move to the Premier League.
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Joining Villa as part of a deal believed to be worth in the region of £2million, McGinn has morphed into a key player and was named the club's new captain at the start of this season.
Unsurprised by the rise of the Scotland international, Stubbs has now suggested Everton overlooked his guidance offered on a potential deal.
“The best player I coached and managed was John McGinn at Hibs. He was a pleasure to work with. He had a fantastic attitude, always desperate to play at the top level," he told Grosvenor Sport.
"I told Everton to make the investment because I knew he would be a very good player and they could get him for £3million. What’s he worth now? £40million plus? Typical Everton, they didn’t do it and now Aston Villa are reaping the benefits.
"I spoke to Everton when it became clear that Leann Dempster (chief executive) was looking to lure one of the big boys to come and sign him."
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