Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey wants Newcastle United | OneFootball

Newcastle United are the preferred destination of Aston Villa attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

The Villa Park club have made several attempts to get the 24-year-old to sign a contract extension, but they may now have to sell him and Newcastle are keen on bringing him to the St James’ Park club.

The Toons wanted Ramsey in January 2024, and boss Eddie Howe is a big fan and admirer of the Villa star.

He has emerged as a priority target for Newcastle in the final three weeks of the summer transfer window.

The Magpies and Villa will start talks to explore whether a compromise can be reached ahead of their Premier League opener on Saturday.

The left winger notched four goals and seven assists in 46 appearances for the Midlands club last term.

The opportunity to play Champions League football appears to have given Newcastle an advantage in the race.

West Ham United are also interested in recruiting the services of the former England youth international, but a move to the Toons appeals to him were he to leave Villa in the coming weeks.

Signing such a talented attacker will be a huge boost for Newcastle after seeing most of their key targets turn them down for elsewhere this summer, and the fans will be praying a move for him works out.

Nottingham Forest and Everton also briefly looked at signing the Villa academy graduate earlier in the summer window.

Nothing has been heard of their interest since then and a move to the Tyneside club could now be on the cards.

Selling Ramsey, who is in the final 24 months of his contract, will represent pure profit in Financial Fair Play terms for the Villans.

It is an option they are now likely to consider given that no agreement has been reached over an extension despite several offers.