Newcastle United transfer rumours: Aston Villa set to win race for £20million international midfielder

Nakamba, a Zimbabwean international, has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs this summer after catching the eye in the Belgian top flight.

And according to the Zimbabwe Chronicle, both Aston Villa and the Magpies have been lining-up a move for the 25-year-old this summer.

And while they state that Newcastle are still contenders for a deal, Villa are now viewed as the favourites to land the all-action midfielder in a £20million deal.

There could still be more twists and turns to come, however, with sources close to the player suggesting that positive performances at the African Cup of Nations – where he is set to line-up against Egypt later this week – could see Nakamba’s value rise.

They said: “Villa really want Marvelous but you know there are a number of issues at stake, one of them is the transfer fee, and with the Nations Cup finals about to start, his club believed a lot could change in the event their player sparkles at the tournament.

“Marvelous’ Belgian club is well aware of that and that is why they don’t seem to be in a hurry to get this deal done with.”

Meanwhile, rumoured Newcastle target Nikola Vlasic is set to join CSKA Moscow.

The Croatian attacking midfielder was linked with a move to St James’s Park in January, with rumours resurfacing once the summer transfer window opened.

But Vlasic is now expected to complete a £12million move to Russia, ending an unhappy spell at Everton.