Jack Grealish 'laughed' when Aston Villa signed John McGinn

Manchester City star Jack Grealish laughed when he found out Aston Villa were signing John McGinn in 2018, it has been revealed.

Scotland international McGinn had long been tipped for a move to English football prior to signing on at Villa Park, having impressed with Hibernian.

But the Scot had to prove himself initially - and revealed how Grealish reacted to his arrival in the Midlands.

McGinn on Grealish

McGinn agreed terms on a contract extension earlier this week to keep him at Villa until 2027 - and opened up on how he was first received by some of the club's players.

"I remember Jack [Grealish] laughing when Steve Bruce told him, 'It's fine, don't worry, we're signing a boy from Scotland'. He didn't know who I was but I think it was nice in a way - I had to prove to people that I could cut it.

"I remember the first game against Wigan when I joined. I remember flying into a tackle and the place erupted, and from that moment, I knew it was the right fit for me and the fans appreciate that every time I go on the park I give 110 per cent."

Grealish, meanwhile, was a key cog in Villa's side as they stayed in the top flight in their first season back, before being involved in 16 league goals in the following campaign.

Had McGinn not scored the winner at Wembley, though, it would be intriguing to see whether the England winger's career would have taken a different path.