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Newcastle plot ruthless move for “top class” £50m star
Newcastle were forced into a double PSR-related raid last summer when Elliott Anderson and Yankuba Minteh were sold off to balance the books on Tyneside, and the club could now be set to capitalise on another club’s financial woes.
The Magpies have come a long way in a very short period since the Saudi-led takeover; under the management of Eddie Howe, they now boast a Carabao Cup trophy, two Champions League qualifications and two top-five finishes in the Premier League.
Their success hasn’t come without sacrifice, though, and it is a commendable achievement beyond the accolades to have gotten as far as they have given their stressful PSR battle over the last 18 months.
The sun is finally poking through the black cloud that was hanging over the club’s finances with sporting director Paul Mitchell pulling off some much-needed sales in the January transfer window that saw Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly sold off to boost transfer funds.
Champions League qualification will also further allow Newcastle to flex their spending power over the summer, a power not afforded to their qualification competitors, Aston Villa, after they fell short on the final day of the season.
Although qualifying for a Europa League spot, it is widely reported that the Villains will need to sell assets this summer to comply with PSR restrictions, and Newcastle are in pole position to take advantage of it.
According to iNews transfer expert Mark Douglas, Newcastle remain keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey this summer, after holding a long-term interest in the talented player – once hailed “top class” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.
Should Newcastle sign Jacob Ramsey?
There is no doubt that Ramsey has been one of the most talked about young players in the Premier League over the last few years, but has found his contributions limited under the management of Unai Emery.
It was reported earlier this month that the midfielder was unhappy at Villa Park after having his game time reduced, and could be seeking more regular opportunity elsewhere this summer.
Indeed, Newcastle have established a strong midfield with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton one of the most dominant and feared trio’s in the centre of the pitch this season, however, Ramsey could be a worthy successor for Joelinton in the future.
The 28-year-old Brazilian has struggled with his fitness in the latter stages of the season, but it is more likely that Ramsey would come in to replace Joe Willock as the former Arsenal ace has already been linked with a move away this summer.
Newcastle are not the only Premier League club eyeing up a move for the England U21 star, as Manchester City are also considering a move as per reports, with Villa expected to command a fee of £50m part ways with their homegrown player.
With that being said, it will be interest to see if Villa will entertain offers for Ramsey this summer in a bid to straighten out their financial concerns and what the signing would mean for the depth of the midfield players on Tyneside.
