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. Once signed off, Ramsey will complete the formalities, including a medical, of the move to St James' Park. Villa host Newcastle in their opening Premier League game at 12:30 BST on Saturday. Ramsey, a former England Under-21s international, has scored 17 goals in 167 appearances for Villa since earning his senior debut in 2019 and was a regular for Unai Emery's side last season. Newcastle have also signed winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw on permanent deals this summer. England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, meanwhile, joined the Magpies from Southampton on a season-long loan earlier this month.