NEWCASTLE United will strengthen in an area of the squad that has been a "concern" for head coach Eddie Howe, with Jacob Ramsey set to be unveiled as the club's fourth signing of the summer.

Ramsey, like Thiaw, is a player Newcastle have admired for some time and you sense that the midfielder has all the ingredients - the age, the athleticism and the desire - to go to another level at St James' Park.

I think he gives something a bit different to other players on that side. He had a great season a couple of years ago, but he's had a few injuries and not really got back to those heights. It's a harsh reality that we need to sell players and Ramsey is an obvious choice.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle United at Villa Park (kick-off 12:30 BST). Emery confirmed that Jacob Ramsey is "not with the squad" ahead of his impending move to tomorrow's opponents.

Jacob Ramsey is set to join Newcastle United instead of Nottingham Forest amid interest from both clubs in the Aston Villa man. Despite Ramsey’s imminent exit, Villa are facing concerns regarding UEFA’s Squad Cost Rules ahead of the Premier League season.