Eddie Howe has a bold plan for Jacob Ramsey as Aston Villa midfielder closes in on Tyneside switch
Newcastle United are poised to make their fourth first-team summer signing, with Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey keen to join Eddie Howe's side.
The former England youth international has had plenty of admirers over the years, but a run of injuries has seen his career halt slightly, and as a result, the 24-year-old as fallen down the pecking order under Unai Emery.
However, Eddie Howe is willing to offer the versatile midfielder a lifeline at Newcastle, and it seems Ramsey, who had options of Everton and West Ham on the table also, only wants the move to Tyneside.
Predominantly a left winger, it has raised a few eyebrows given that Newcastle have Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes battling for that position, but The Athletic have reported on what Eddie Howe's plan is for Ramsey.
Eddie Howe sees Jacob Ramsey as the successor to Joelinton
Ramsey can play through the centre of the park as well as on the left, and that's where Howe sees him playing for Newcastle.
In fact, The Athletic claims that Howe envisions Ramsey as battling Joelinton for his place on the left side of the midfield three, ultimately taking over from the Brazilian.
It sounds like Ramsey isn't coming in just to make up the numbers after Sean Longstaff departed, but Howe has a solid plan for him.
Newcastle must register Jacob Ramsey before 12pm tomorrow if he's to play on Saturday
Ramsey is a very different player from Joelinton, not as much of a brawler, but his work rate is comparable, and he has more pace than the Brazilian and can set up attacks more.
What we'll lose in that defensive mindset, we'll gain in attacking flair.
The deal isn't quite done yet, but we don't foresee any issues with this one. Although we doubt it all gets done in time for him to return to Villa Park as a Newcastle player on Saturday.
