Steven Gerrard wanted one Aston Villa star at Rangers, said he’s a ‘threat’

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You get the feeling Steven Gerrard would get on rather well with some of Aston Villa’s key players.

In Tyrone Mings, Villa have a commanding central defender who leads by example, someone who would have few second thoughts about giving his poor old granny a rake down the Achilles if three points were on the line.

Matty Cash, meanwhile, could perform a role similar to that of James Tavernier at Ibrox while Ollie Watkins’ relentless work ethic and defence-stretching speed would surely make him a Gerrard favourite too, assuming the Rangers boss succeeds Dean Smith as Aston Villa manager, of course.

And it’s hard not to imagine John McGinn – an all-action all-rounder in the mould of a young Gerrard – striking up an immediate understanding with a 41-year-old coach who, according to The Sun, has emerged ahead of Roberto Martinez, Thomas Frank and Kasper Hjulmand to become the club’s top managerial target.

Especially when you consider in 2018 the Daily Record reported McGinn had emerged as one of Gerrard’s first transfer targets days after being given the chance to cut his coaching teeth in Glasgow.

Would Steven Gerrard really swap Rangers for Aston Villa?

It’s understood Gerrard even scouted the then-Hibernian talisman during an Edinburgh derby clash with Hearts three months before Aston Villa beat Rangers and Celtic to his signature with a £3.5 million bid.

“John McGinn is your power, your runner and goal threat,” Gerrard said two seasons ago when analysing the 27-year-old’s role in the Scotland national team.

Flash forward to 2021 and McGinn is one of the first names on Aston Villa’s team sheet – albeit someone who lost his way during Dean Smith’s final few games in the Holte End hot seat.

Should Gerrard leave Ibrox for Bodymoor Heath, getting the best out of Aston Villa’s most influential player would be right at the top of his agenda.

For now, though, it appears more likely Gerrard will stick with his successful Rangers side. There are trophies within reach and European football on offer after all.