Newcastle United approach Aston Villa for Jacob Ramsey deal as £50million transfer update emerges

Newcastle United have approached Aston Villa for the signing of Jacob Ramsey but a January deal looks unlikely, according to David Ornstein.

The Athletic journalist reported [29 January] that the Magpies are looking to the 22-year-old as a way to bolster Eddie Howe's squad this January amid a long-term injury to midfield star Joelinton.

It is understood, however, that a deal is unlikely to happen this month unless Newcastle manage to achieve a "significant" sale of one of their current players, with Villa likely to contemplate any offers above £50million.

Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in the young star. Considering the threat of FFP, clubs may need to raise funds before June to avoid Profit and Sustainability breaches.

Unwanted circumstances

FFP is beginning to take its toll on clubs up and down the Premier League table, with Villa the latest to be affected. In no world would the club want to see Ramsey depart but they may have no choice.

The England U21 international has been revitalised under Unai Emery in recent weeks after a difficult start, looking miles off his usual standards from the last couple of campaigns.

Across the last two seasons in all competitions, Ramsey accumulated 12 goals and nine assists in 73 matches but only has one goal to his name this season. He has been hindered by a foot injury, however.

Now, having recovered from the injury, Ramsey has become a key figure in Emery's squad, making the transfer news far from ideal. In an ideal world, the midfielder remains at Villa Park for the foreseeable future and becomes a Premier League winner with the Villans.

In other Aston Villa news, Mauricio Pochettino was blown away by what Emiliano Martinez did versus Chelsea.

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