Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign midfielder Jacob Ramsey in a deal worth up to £44 million. According to The Athletic, the agreement includes an upfront payment of £39 million plus £5 million in performance-based add-ons.

Newcastle emerged as the 24-year-old's preferred destination despite interest from other clubs such as West Ham United.

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.