Determined Manchester United will move for John McGinn this summer in a bid to bulk up their midfield, according to The Times.
The 27-year-old Aston Villa star has long been admired within Old Trafford, with Sir Alex Ferguson understood to have made the case for him previously.
But it's fellow Scot Darren Fletcher who could be driving the interest in his role as sporting director.
McGinn - who Villa are desperate to keep - will likely cost in excess of £50m with over three years remaining on his deal at Villa Park.
Steven Gerrard has waxed lyrical about his star man but he's expected to command significant interest when the window re-opens in the summer.
Any deal for McGinn now is an impossibility with United instead planning ahead for a pursuit of a player who is a star for club and country.
The latest admiring glances from United is the latest proof of McGinn's worth after he left Hibs for Villa for only £2m back in 2018.
Celtic missed out on his capture back then and that's a decision that still rankles among the club's support amid his ongoing exploits.
McGinn would link-up with international team-mate Scott McTominay if he makes the switch to one of the world's biggest teams.