Yakubu Exclusive: McGinn's Aggression And Leadership Is Perfect Match For Moyes

John McGinn continues to be linked with a move to Everton and former Toffees striker Yakubu would love to see the Scot on Merseyside.

Aston Villa recently issued a statement saying their skipper was not for sale, but every player has a price. 

An initial bid of around £18million from Everton was rejected, and an improved offer is expected. However, they might have to battle Newcastle for his signature.

The Toffees start the Premier League campaign at Leeds on Monday night, which gives them a couple of extra days to sign McGinn.

Yakubu, who played more games for Everton than any other English club in his career, believes playing for a manager like David Moyes would be perfect for the combative midfielder.

"McGinn is a hard-working, aggressive player and Moyes likes players like that," Yakubu told Gambling.com in an exclusive interview. 

"When you look at the way he's been playing as captain at Aston Villa, he's one of the experienced players. 

"Everton need leaders in the team, who can push the younger ones and make them better. 

"If they can get it done, it would be a good signing."

Grealish Has A Point To Prove

If McGinn does join Everton, he will be reunited with Jack Grealish, who was at Villa Park before making his £100m switch to Manchester City in the summer of 2021.

Both were in Dean Smith's midfield as Villa won back their place in the top flight with a 2-1 win over Derby in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May 2019.

Yakubu, who will represent Everton in the Manchester Masters at the AO Arena on September 5, hopes Grealish can rediscover his Villa form for the Toffees.

"Yeah, for Jack, when you look at last season, he struggled for game time because of injuries," Yakubu said.

"Coming to a club like Everton, at 29, I think it's still young, but he’s got something to prove to the people, to prove to himself and to show everyone he can produce with Everton. 

"I think it's a great move for him. He will get more games to try and play his way into the England team for the World Cup. 

"He has a big, big season ahead of him, and if he can get it right, it'll be fine. 

"The fans will love him there. It's like a win-win situation for him now. 

"If he gets it right and plays well, he can get a call from the national team."

Moyes Can Carry Momentum Into New Era

Yakubu still has a soft spot for Everton, ever since Moyes persuaded the club to pay Middlesbrough £11.25m for the Nigerian international in August 2007.

He went on to score 25 goals in 82 league games for Moyes, and Yakubu was delighted the club turned to his former boss to replace Sean Dyche in January.

In a campaign that threatened to end in relegation, Moyes guided the club to safety as they finished 13th, 23 points clear of the drop zone.

Yakubu hopes Moyes can take the momentum from last season into a new era for the club.

"I believe the club made the right decision to bring him back," Yakubu said.

"I played for him for almost four seasons, and now he’s returned after more than nine years away. 

"It’s fantastic to see him back, especially with all his experience - he knows the club inside out.

"You can see the difference he made last season. 

"The team had been struggling with relegation, but when he came back, they started winning games and they regained their confidence.

"Now, they just need a few more players to really get the ball rolling."

'Rocking' New Stadium Can Help Toffees 

Everton have to wait a week to christen their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, when they welcome Brighton on Sunday, August 24.

Yakubu was amazed with the new stadium's facilities when he attended the Everton Legends game with Roma, and believes the atmosphere can drive the team forward.

"The new stadium is unbelievable," Yakubu said.

"It’s a beautiful stadium, and I think the atmosphere is going to be rocking.

"Goodison Park gave us incredible memories, but now there’s a new stadium. 

"Visiting the stadium was great fun, and seeing the fans again in such a fantastic setting was special.

"We have amazing fans, and Everton is such a true family club, the people’s club.

"I played at Goodison Park and it was a great place with so much history, but moving from there to the new stadium is something special."