BY DARREN JOHNSTONE – Capital City Press
Houston Dynamo manager Owen Coyle admits he is desperate to cut through red tape to sign Scotland Under-21 captain John McGinn.
McGinn has been training with the MLS outfit after his contract at St Mirren expired at the end of last season.
Hearts, Hibs and Dundee United have already been linked with the 20-year-old but the Buddies are said to be holding out for £200,000 in compensation.
A development fee would not apply should McGinn, who is suing the Saints after being ‘speared’ by team-mate Steven Thompson in a training ground accident, move across the Atlantic.
Scots manager Coyle said: “John’s a terrific young player, he’s an outstanding young player and he’s one I’d like to have here at Houston Dynamo; that goes without saying.
“The issue with that is that we don’t, at this moment in time, have an international slot or roster space.
“That’s where we’re at the moment. If we’re able to manage a couple of those and some movement happened then we would obviously look to do something.”
Speaking to MLSsoccer.com, Coyle added: “We know his level, myself and (assistant coach) Sandy Stewart – he knows John extensively.
“This boy’s played 87 games in the Scottish Premier League and he’s only 20 years of age.
“In Scotland he’s an Under-20 international. He’s a fantastic young player.”
