Newcastle are close to signing Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey in a deal worth about £40m. BBC Sport reported on Wednesday that the clubs were in advanced talks over the proposed deal for the 24-year-old. An agreement in principle has now been reached, with just finer details left to complete.

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.

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.

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.