£50m Aston Villa star that Newcastle United want to sign could now face them on Boxing Day

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Newcastle United could get a close-up look at one of their transfer targets on Boxing Day.

Eddie Howe will hope to make it four wins on the bounce on Thursday afternoon when Newcastle United travel to Villa Park.

After the dominant 4-0 win over Ipswich Town last time out, Newcastle will spend Christmas Day in eighth place in the Premier League table – just two points off Aston Villa in sixth.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
8	NewcastleNewcastle	17	7	5	5	27	21	6	26

Howe is expected to qualify for Europe this season and he spoke about the importance of returning to the Champions League in his pre-match press conference before the Villa clash. A win on Thursday would be a huge statement of intent for Newcastle’s European hopes.

However, the Magpies will have to overcome a terrible Boxing Day record if they are going to pick up three points against Villa. Newcastle have only won one of their last 10 Boxing Day fixtures. If the odds weren’t already stacked against Newcastle, Villa have now received an injury boost ahead of the clash.

Jacob Ramsey could return for Aston Villa vs Newcastle

Villa found themselves in a very similar situation to Newcastle in the summer – having to sell players to avoid a breach of Profit and Sustainability Rules.

One player Villa were desperate to keep hold of was Jacob Ramsey, who came through Villa’s academy and is viewed as one of their most exciting young talents.

The 23-year-old has made 16 appearances for Unai Emery’s side this season but has spent the last six weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury.

However, as reported by Birmingham Mail, Ramsey has returned to full training at Bodymoor Heath this week and is contention to make his return against Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Newcastle United £50m interest in Jacob Ramsey

Newcastle have been long-term admirers of Ramsey.

Ramsey was linked to Newcastle in January but the Magpies were unable to get a deal over the line and pivoted to different targets over the summer, including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe can’t give Sean Longstaff what he wants as January exit considered

Howe insists that central midfield is Newcastle’s strongest position but with Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes repeatedly linked with other clubs, extra depth in midfield could be needed in 2025.

Reports in October claimed that Newcastle are reigniting interest in Ramsey, who is valued at £50million by Villa. He is held in high regard by Newcastle’s scouting team, and they could get another glance at the young midfielder on Thursday afternoon.