Reports of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle wide of the mark according to Eddie Howe

Newcastle United fans woke up this morning to the news that the Magpies had approached Aston Villa about signing midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

The report came from the usually very reliable David Ornstein in The Athletic so hopes were understandably high that there could be some truth in the story.

Jacob Ramsey was a huge part of Aston Villa's success last season, playing 35 games in the Premier League in various positions across the midfield, contributing with six goals and seven assists.

Ramsey hasn't had the same success so far this season

The 22-year-old has been used much more sparingly this season and has rarely completed a full 90 minutes for the Villans.

A foot injury has halted his progress this season but he's been steadily working his way back into the starting lineup and is still considered an important player for Aston Villa, but the Midlands club have to balance their books before summer and could be forced to sell.

It was believed that it would take over £50million to take Ramsey away from Villa Park, which is where the story starts to lose its footing. Newcastle have no money to play with currently due to FFP restrictions and it's unlikely they could dig up that much money for one player during this window.

Incorrect

So unlikely in fact, that Eddie Howe was very confident in shutting down the rumour in this morning's press conference (via The Chronicle) with just a one-word response - "incorrect".

Ramsey's versatility would be perfect for Newcastle right now as we are sorely lacking numbers in midfield, but the figures involved just don't make sense unfortunately.

He fits the profile of a Newcastle signing, for sure, and he could be one we look at again in the summer, but any hopes of signing him this week look to be long gone already.