Aston Villa are in discussions with Hibs over the transfer of John McGinn to the English Championship club.

The Birmingham-based outfit are understood to have made their move for the £4million-rated midfielder last night ahead of the English transfer window closing on Thursday at 5pm.

Villa, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League after losing the play-off final to Fulham last season, received fresh investment over the summer and want to bolster their squad for another tilt at promotion.

Although the two clubs have yet to agree a fee, McGinn is reported to have been granted permission by Hibs to travel south and meet Villa manager Steve Bruce, look round the stadium and training ground.

Aston Villa in talks to sign John McGinn from Hibs