Newcastle agree £40m deal for Aston Villa’s Ramsey

Newcastle are close to signing Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey in a deal worth about £40m.

BBC Sport reported on Wednesday that the clubs were in advanced talks over the proposed deal for the 24-year-old.

An agreement in principle has now been reached, with just finer details left to complete.

Once signed off, Ramsey will complete the formalities, including a medical, of the move to St James’ Park.

Villa host Newcastle in their opening Premier League game at 12:30 BST on Saturday.

Ramsey, a former England Under-21s international, has scored 17 goals in 167 appearances for Villa since earning his senior debut in 2019 and was a regular for Unai Emery’s side last season.

Newcastle have also signed winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw on permanent deals this summer.