Newcastle has bolstered its midfield options ahead of a return to the Champions League by signing midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for a reported $53 million.

After a nightmarish pre-season, Newcastle United faces another major hurdle when it gets its Premier League campaign up and running at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Newcastle United have signed midfielder Jacob Ramsey from fellow Premier League club Aston Villa on a long-term contract, both clubs said on Sunday.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says his side are 'still a force' without wantaway striker Alexander Isak after they were held by a 10-man Aston Villa in their Premier League season opener.

Alexander Isak was left out of Newcastle’s squad for its opening game of the Premier League season at Aston Villa

Eddie Howe has refused to answer a question on Alexander Isak after the Newcastle forward was left out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Aston Villa. The 25-year-old is eager to leave Tyneside behind,