Newcastle ready to move for Premier League captain after Benjamin Sesko rejection

Newcastle are weighing up a move for Aston Villa skipper John McGinn as Eddie Howe looks to finally make some progress in this summer's transfer window.

So far the Magpies have tried and failed to land a number of new recruits, with Anthony Elanga their only major signing so far. He set them back £55million and now Newcastle want to bolster their midfield ranks.

The Daily Mail reports that they've identified the Scotland midfielder, who has played an integral role in Villa's rise from the Championship to the Champions League, as a target. It is thought the McGinn could yet be available this summer with two years left on his contract.

Unai Emery does not want to sell his midfielder and previously said: “I really, really appreciate a lot as a person how he is, but as a professional, he is fantastic." Everton have already seen their interest knocked back, but Villa need to sell players to remain financially compliant.

McGinn has spent seven years at Villa Park and the Magpies can offer the lure of Champions League football. His Villa team-mate Jacob Ramsey is another player Newcastle have considered whilst they are also fans of Coventry’s Jack Rudoni. The injury to Joe Willock last week will rule him out of the early weeks of the season, putting more pressure on Howe's midfield resources.

READ MORE: Liverpool's Alexander Isak transfer plan given £165m boost as he honours Newcastle request

READ MORE: Newcastle turn attention to next transfer after Benjamin Sesko chooses Man Utd

Newcastle's main focus currently though is on securing a replacement for the wantaway Alexander Isak, who has been told he must train solo away from his team-mates with Howe frustrated by his conduct. Liverpool have seen a bid for the Swede knocked back but are expected to return.

The north east outfit had identified Benjamin Sesko as the man to lead their line with the Slovenian continuing his rise at RB Leipzig. However Manchester United have come to the party and look to be his preferred destination as they close in on a move.

It has been a recurring theme for Newcastle and Howe this summer. They had previously looked to land Joao Pedro from Brighton before the striker opted for a move to Chelsea. James Trafford was targeted but the goalkeeper left Burnley and returned to Manchester City.

Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo was another player they had on their radar. His former team-mate Yoane Wissa is on Newcastle's radar but there has been no progress on getting him out of Brentford, who will be loathed to lose two of their attacking stars in one summer, further complicating any deal.

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