The Aberdeen forward is out of contract in the summer and Bolton Wanderers have history trying to tempt him to the Macron.
The sight of Niall McGinn wheeling away in celebration after tapping home a 96th minute clincher in Northern Ireland’s 2-0 triumph over Ukraine at Euro 2016, their first tournament victory in 34 years, will forever remain etched in British footballing folklore.
This, coupled with an impressive tally of nine goals for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership this season, means there should be no shortage of suitors when his contract expires in June. And, according to the Scottish Sun, Oxford United are currently leading the chase.
The publication claims that Michael Appleton’s side, who are seven points adrift of the play-off positions in League One, are trying to tempt McGinn into signing a pre-contract agreement though the 29-year-old will wait until the end of the season to decide his future.
Yet, you get the feeling that a forward who is on the verge of hitting double figures in the league for the fourth time in five seasons at Aberdeen would be a major coup for Oxford if they miss out on a place in the top six.
Therefore, a club of Bolton Wanderers’ stature and potential could prove a much more attractive proposition despite their financial problems.
The Trotters were relegated from the Championship in pitiful fashion last season and were only rescued from administration in November but, as it stands, they are second in the table and odds on to secure a return to the second tier.
Furthermore, with their top scorers, midfielder Josh Vela and the now-departed Zach Clough, netting just nine times, Phil Parkinson could do with a reliable frontman ahead of a daunting return to the Championship. And McGinn, a clever and creative player capable of playing up front or in a deeper role, could replicate the precision and link play of former star man Clough.
The Evening Express reported in 2015 that Bolton Wanderers were keen on McGinn. And, although times have changed at the Macron, the 29-year-old would still represent a very astute signing.
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