Newcastle are tonight pressing ahead with a move to sign Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey and there is hope of progress before the weekend.

Daily Mail Sport understands that talks are set to intensify on Wednesday and a formal offer is about to be submitted.

The clubs were negotiating on a price of around £40m on Tuesday night.

Ramsey is said to be keen on a move to St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe a long-time admirer.

There is competition for his signature, including West Ham, but there is confidence on Tyneside of landing their top midfield target.

Howe is keen to return his midfield roster to six after the sale of Sean Longstaff to Leeds.