Newcastle United transfer news: Aston Villa set to beat Magpies to striker plus Zimbabwe frontman set to move on

Genk's Aly Mbwana Samatta pictured during the winter training camp of Belgian first division soccer team KRC Genk in Benidorm, Spain, Wednesday 08 January 2020. BELGA PHOTO YORICK JANSENS (Photo by YORICK JANSENS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Aston Villa look set to beat Newcastle United to the signing of Tanzania striker Mbwana Samatta.

According to publication HLN, Dean Smith’s men have activated the £8.5million clause in the Genk frontman’s contract and look set to complete a move in the coming days.

Samatta has starred for Genk in the Champions League this season – and was believed to be a player United had tracked over the last 18 months.

Villa have also been linked with United flop Islam Slimani as the look to fill a gap up top after losing Brazilian forward Wesley for the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained at Burnley on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, another reported United target Tino Kadewere looks to be on the move.

Lyon have had an initial bid of £6million rejected by Ligue 2 Le Harve for the Zimbabwe forward.

United have also been linked with Lyon’s own Moussa Dembele.