Newcastle agree £39m deal to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa

Newcastle have agreed a £39million deal with Aston Villa for midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

The 24-year-old will travel to Tyneside on Thursday afternoon before beginning his medical, which will continue into Friday.

Daily Mail Sport understands the move will not be finalised before the weekend, meaning he will not play against his old club in Saturday’s Premier League opener at Villa Park.

Ramsey has been at Villa since the age of six but the club’s financial position with regards UEFA spending rules means his sale, as an academy graduate, was necessary.

The package includes a further £4m in add-ons.

Eddie Howe values the versatility and scope for improvement in Ramsey, and he quickly became their top midfield target once aware of his availability.

There was competition for his signature from West Ham, but the player made it clear his preferred destination was Tyneside.

He will be in line for his debut when Liverpool visit St James’ Park a week on Monday.