In-demand midfielder chooses between Aston Villa & Newcastle transfer

Aston Villa and Newcastle United are ready to do battle in the summer transfer window, as their mutual target prepares to hand one of them a major boost.

Aston Villa and Newcastle preparing offers for midfield star

It’s becoming inevitable that Aston Villa and Newcastle run into each other in the summer transfer window. The two sides are so similar. Both have battled PSR restrictions in recent years and both have almost swapped the privilege of Champions League qualification year in year out.

This season, it was Villa’s turn to take the glory. Despite their restrictions, Unai Emery‘s side won the Europa League and secured a top four spot, earning their way back into Europe’s elite competition as a result.

Newcastle, meanwhile, were forced to settle for a disappointing season and finished as low as 12th. If anyone needs reinforcements this summer, it is the Magpies.

Whether that comes in the form of a Ligue 1 star remains to be seen, however. According to Media Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, Lamine Camara now prefers to join Aston Villa instead of Newcastle, despite rumours that the Tyneside club have already held meetings with his representatives.

The midfield star won’t come cheap, though. Reports have claimed that PIF and NSWE are both ‘ready’ to submit big offers in the region of AS Monaco’s €50m (£43m) asking price, sparking an early bidding war.

If it’s up to Camara, then he’ll be playing under Emery next season instead of at St James’ Park. It’s a major blow for the Magpies, but things could still change if Villa are unable to meet Monaco’s demands.

“Fantastic” Camara is perfect for Youri Tielemans

It would be quite the sign of intent from Aston Villa if they managed to sign a player of Camara’s potential. The 22-year-old is one of the best young midfielders around and his energy would help provide the perfect partner for the ever present Youri Tielemans.

Jacek Kulig described Camara as “fantastic” back in November, and it’s hard to argue with the talent scout’s verdict. The Senegal international has been excellent for Monaco over the last 12 months and would instantly hide Tielemans’ biggest weakness out of possession.

Whilst the Villa man struggles in recoveries, Camara excels and doesn’t do so at the sacrifice of technical ability. In fact, the 22-year-old even enjoyed better pass accuracy and made more passes per game than Tielemans this season. He is the full package and not one that Emery will want to miss out on.

Read next: 79-cap star keen to join Aston Villa this summer