The sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle is a deal Aston Villa and Unai Emery would have preferred not to have done in an ideal world. However, this is not that world but one in which teams must abide by profit and sustainability rules - and finances are tight at Villa Park.

Unai Emery admits he enjoyed working with Jacob Ramsey at Aston Villa, but says his focus is solely on the squad at his disposal. Ramsey, a product of Villa's youth academy, is set to complete a transfer to Newcastle in a deal worth up to £44 million, with £39 million guaranteed.

Aston Villa are reportedly 'accelerating' with their plan to bring back a fan favourite with an official bid, given they are 'finalising' the sale of a current star.

Eddie Howe could secure a perfect signing as the data reveals the attributes Jacob Ramsey could bring to Newcastle.

It has been claimed by The Athletic that Newcastle have opened talks with Villa to explore a move for Ramsey, with all parties open to a deal. Moving into the final weeks of the window, it appears that all options remain on the table, but the fact that Ramsey has not committed his future speaks volumes.