ASTON VILLA have stolen a march on Celtic in the race for John McGinn.

SunSport understands Villa have begun negotiations with Hibs over a deal for £4million-rated McGinn.

2 John McGinn in action for Hibs against Motherwell Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

Celts have had three failed bids for McGinn, who is poised to head south for talks with Villa boss Steve Bruce.

Losing out on McGinn, 23, just two days before the English transfer window shuts would be a major blow for Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers who has been pursuing him all summer.

It’s believed the champions have felt confident all along that McGinn’s first choice was Parkhead.

They felt he could even be prepared to hang fire until January to sign a pre-contract — with his present Hibees deal up next summer.

2 McGinn shrugs off Liam Grimshaw Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

That’s made Celtic reluctant to go beyond the £2m mark, with Easter Road chiefs adamant all along it would take double that to get their man.

Villa, recently bought over by billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, kicked-off their attempt to return to the Premier League at Hull last night.

Gaffer Bruce has been a long term admirer of Scotland star McGinn, and had him watched again in last Sunday’s 3-0 win over Motherwell.

Another impressive performance convinced Bruce to make his move.

Now Celts have to decide quickly if they will get involved in a potential auction for McGinn.

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