Aston Villa eye two midfielders while Newcastle United want two defenders before winter transfer deadline | OneFootball

Aston Villa and Newcastle United want to strengthen their squads before the end of the winter transfer window next Monday, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.

He claimed in his ‘Inside Football’ bi-weekly newsletter today that Villa manager Unai Emery wants two new midfielders. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants to strengthen his defensive ranks.

“A fair few clubs still have issues they want to solve, though,” Delaney wrote.

“Aston Villa want two midfielders – an eight and a six. Fulham want a striker and a midfielder. Newcastle United want two defenders. Expect a busy weekend.”

Villa have signed Brazilian forward Alysson from Gremio in a £10 million deal, while Leon Bailey has been recalled from his loan at AS Roma.

Donyell Malen has joined the Serie A club on loan with an obligation to buy for £21.6m.

The Midlands club have also reportedly agreed to sign English striker Tammy Abraham, while Fulham attacker Harry Wilson is on their radar.

They are looking to sign AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but will face competition from Manchester United and other clubs.

Newcastle have yet to make any signings, but have been credited with interest in Club Brugge left-back Joaquin Seys.

They have around a week left to get deals done, and it will be intriguing to see how things unfold in the coming days.

The Magpies are hoping to finish in the top four and will fancy their chances, with only five points between them and fourth-place Man United after 23 league games.

They need to strengthen at the back to boost their chances, and Howe will hope the club can deliver new signings.