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.

Newcastle have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for Jacob Ramsey. The Magpies will pay £43m for the midfielder; £39m plus £4m in add-ons. Ramsey, a product of Villa's academy, will undergo a medical on Thursday night.

After battling for Champions League football last season, Villa and Newcastle will start their season against each other. Fans can watch it on OTTplay Premium