Fabrizio Romano teases Newcastle United 'here we go' as £40m West Ham United transfer hijack 'imminent'
Newcastle United are pushing ahead to complete their fourth summer signing ahead of the new season.
Newcastle have already confirmed the signings of Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw so far this summer, but their business is far from done.
An attacking player is still high on the agenda, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa a top target. The Magpies are also looking to sign an attacking midfielder with the pursuit of Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey ramping up this week.
It comes just days before Newcastle open their Premier League season at Aston Villa on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off).
Newcastle are set to be without striker Alexander Isak and midfielder Joe Willock for the match. Ramsey would provide competition in the midfield as a player capable of playing out on the left or through the middle, much like Willock.
Villa are understood to be open to selling their academy graduate to help ease PSR problems. And Newcastle are looking to strengthen in midfield having sold Elliot Anderson and Sean Longstaff over the past two summers without bringing in a replacement.
Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss has also been linked, though Newcastle are reportedly pushing ahead to strike a deal for Ramsey this week.
The 24-year-old has made 167 appearances for Villa, scoring 17 goals. Ramsey scored four goals in 45 appearances for Villa in all competitions last season, starting 25.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Jacob Ramsey has already made NUFC decision
Newcastle face competition for Ramsey with West Ham United making an approach and Nottingham Forest credited with an interest. But it appears The Magpies have come out on top with the added lure of Champions League football and the chance to work under Eddie Howe at St James’ Park.
Transfer expert David Ornstein has named Newcastle midfielder’s preferred destination in a recent report in The Athletic.
Although West Ham are of interest, The Athletic’s report adds that Newcastle’s project and working under Howe carry the ‘greatest appeal’ to the player.
Football is BACK - subscribe to our Newcastle United newsletter for all the news straight to your inbox
Fabrizio Romano teases Newcastle United ‘here we go’
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano added fuel to the Ramsey reports by claiming that a £40million deal is ‘imminent’
Romano tweeted: “Understand Newcastle are closing in on Jacob Ramsey deal with Aston Villa! Agreement almost done for £40m package as clubs are finalising the deal and then… here we go.
“Despite West Ham approach, Ramsey only wants Newcastle as #NUFC move is now imminent.”
Romano’s tweet came moments after the Daily Mail’s report that Newcastle were locked in negotiations with Aston Villa over a £40million move, with a formal offer set to be submitted.
In addition to midfield signings, Newcastle are looking to bring in at least one forward before the September 1 transfer deadline. The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has forced Newcastle’s hand in the transfer market as they pursue potential replacements for the wantaway striker.
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is a top target as things stand, though the DR Congo international is viewed as a replacement for Callum Wilson rather than Isak.