John McGinn has revealed he told Robbie Neilson he wanted to sign for HEARTS after leaving St Mirren - before his move to Easter Road.
The Scotland international - now captain for former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa side in the English Premier League - was wanted by a number of clubs following the Buddies' relegation to the Scottish Championship. Hearts and Dundee United both were options for the midfielder who said Neilson was never in contact again after an initial conversation that ended with him saying 'yes' to a switch. United also decided to go for Rodney Sneijder instead of McGinn.
The 27-year-old went on to establish himself as a fans' favourite at Hibs and help to the famous Scottish Cup Final win over Rangers - and end that long, long wait for the trophy. McGinn told the Currie Club podcast: “I had left St Mirren after we got relegated.
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"It was a terrible season, both for me and the club and I decided I needed a fresh start.
“Nobody was willing to pay the transfer fee at that moment.
"Hibs were in the Championship and I wasn’t too keen to drop down, but my ego got a wee slap a couple of times when nobody was willing to pay it.
"Hearts had contacted me.
"Robbie Neilson phoned me when I was in Santa Ponsa and asked: ‘Do you want to come to Hearts?’ I said yes, and I never heard from him again!"
"Dundee United had spoken to my agent and I thought I was going there but they signed Rodney Sneijder instead.
"I went to Houston in America but it fell through due to red tape.
“St Mirren were then willing to do a cut-price deal which worked for everyone and thankfully the gaffer [Stubbs] phoned me one day when I was at Kilbowie Roundabout!
"I was nervous because I’d never been at another club. I drove through to Edinburgh with my mum and dad."
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