Newcastle United and Aston Villa dealt summer transfer blow

Newcastle United have reportedly been handed a blow by a Premier League rival as they look to land one of their main summer transfer targets.

The Magpies are keen to strengthen their options at left-back over the close-season despite already possessing several players that can play in that role. Dan Burn spent the vast majority of last season as Eddie Howe’s first choice on the left-hand side of one of the Premier League’s most frugal defences after seeing off competition from former Aston Villa star Matt Targett. Jamal Lewis has reportedly been told he is free to leave St James Park during the summer and club stalwarts Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie are currently in the final weeks of their current deals.

United are believed to have considered moves for Monza star Carlos Augusto and Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo - although the latter has now agreed a free transfer switch to Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. However, their main left-back target is far closer to home with the Magpies setting their sights on a deal for Arsenal and Scotland defender Kieran Tierney.

The former Celtic man endured a frustrating season as the Gunners mounted an unsuccessful bid for the Premier League title as he made just six league starts, with a further nine coming in the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. The form of summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko saw Mikel Arteta retain faith with the former Manchester City star - and that has led to speculation Tierney could be moved on during the summer.

Speaking about the defender’s frustrations in March, the Gunners boss told Football London: “(It was) Very good because we talked and we discussed the situation and we had a very similar opinion about that. He knows his role – under me he’s played a lot, more than any other player probably compared to the previous players at the club in the last three years and he understands the situation and he needs to challenge the situation.”

Newcastle are believed to be keen to negotiate a deal worth around £30m as they take into consideration Tierney’s lack of regular first-team action and his recent injury record. However, The Telegraph have now claimed the Gunners will only authorise a move away from the Emirates Stadium if a more significant offer is made.