Aston Villa manager Unai Emery fires transfer warning to Newcastle United ahead of Premier League clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has set out his stance over the future of Jacob Ramsey after Newcastle United were linked with a move for the highly-rated midfielder.

The Magpies are reportedly considering a number of options to add to their midfield ranks ahead of Thursday night’s transfer deadline - although hopes are fading over the possibility of any new faces being added to Eddie Howe’s squad.

Interest in Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips waned in recent weeks prior to his loan move to Premier League rivals West Ham United and links with the likes of Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Bournemouth star Philip Billing and Atalanta’s Ederson are yet to be followed by an official bid.

Several weekend reports linked United with a surprise move for Villa midfielder Ramsey - although they were quickly shot down by Magpies boss Howe as he categorically denied any move had been made for the England Under-21 international - although the midfielder is believed to have admirers within the United hierarchy.  That was quickly followed by Villa counterpart Emery stressing just how importance Ramsey was for his side and lauding the ‘big potential’ the 22-year-old possesses for club and country.

“Jacob Ramsey is a very important player,”: said the Villa boss in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s meeting with the Magpies on Tuesday night.

“He grew up here in the academy. His progression is clear and getting better. I want to keep him here with us.  Teams maybe involved in the possibility to sign him, because he has big potential with Aston Villa and England, 100 percent.”