Aston Villa close on club-record Johan Manzambi deal after hijacking Newcastle move | OneFootball

Aston Villa are close to their first signing of the summer.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the club are pushing to finalise a near £60 million club-record agreement for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi after hijacking his proposed move to Newcastle.

The 20-year-old Switzerland international had appeared set for St James’ Park after Newcastle agreed a £49 million fee with Freiburg. However, he had not given the go-ahead and, after talks intensified over the weekend, is now on course to join Villa.

Unai Emery has ordered a move into the market following the serious knee injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup. The 24-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and is expected to miss most of the season.

Manzambi had long been on Villa’s radar and Onana’s absence has increased the need for midfield reinforcements. If completed, add-ons would take the price beyond the £50 million Villa paid Everton to sign Onana two years ago.

Manzambi faced Villa for Freiburg in May’s Europa League final, concluding a campaign of seven goals in 47 appearances. He also impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup before missing their final two matches with a minor knee injury.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com