Aston Villa have moved ahead of Newcastle United in the race for Switzerland international Johan Manzambi.

Newcastle had a deal agreed with Freiburg last week for £49million and verbal agreement on terms with the 20-year-old.

They were keen to get a deal done as they knew of competition from Villa while Manchester United were also in the background.

They were also aware that with the player away at the World Cup they were unable to get final details signed off so there was risk others could step in.

Villa have now accelerated their efforts to sign the midfielder with Amadou Onana out for an extended period with ligament damage.

Aston Villa have moved ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Swiss star Johan Manzambi 

Villa are able to offer Champions League football and a competitive salary and now hope to finalise terms with the player who is expected to choose them over Newcastle.

Indeed, Newcastle sources say that despite holding positive talks with Manzambi’s camp they were never given the impression that they were 100 per cent committed to joining them and there was always a suspicion another club was in the background. 

Daily Mail Sport reported Villa’s interest in Thursday’s Window Watch transfer round-up.