Unai Emery admits he enjoyed working with Jacob Ramsey at Aston Villa, but says his focus is solely on the squad at his disposal. Ramsey, a product of Villa's youth academy, is set to complete a transfer to Newcastle in a deal worth up to £44 million, with £39 million guaranteed.

Ramsey would provide necessary depth and could well be Joelinton's successor on the left of Howe's three-man nucleus. He possesses the dynamism, attacking instinct and quality to make a similar impact if he can stay free of injury.

Aston Villa are reportedly 'accelerating' with their plan to bring back a fan favourite with an official bid, given they are 'finalising' the sale of a current star.

The latest transfer news as Aston Villa and Brentford lock horns to sign an Arsenal star. Aston Villa have reportedly initiated contact with Arsenal over a shock swoop for versatile forward Leandro Trossard.

Unai Emery has selected his starting XI to face Marseille in Aston Villa’s seventh pre-season friendly of the summer. Villa earned their second win of the summer against AS Roma on Wednesday night, following a 2-1 victory at St. Louis in Missouri last week.