Newcastle really like 22-year-old forward, but now he wants to sign for Aston Villa

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Newcastle United seriously need to worry about Aston Villa this season.

Unai Emery has transformed them, and his efforts last season mean Villa will be playing in the Europa Conference League. They also completely battered Newcastle, which did not happen often.

Now they are making a splash in the transfer market, having completed deals for Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres. They are also trying to sign Moussa Diaby, who is a long-term target for the Magpies.

Emery’s side could become a real force this upcoming season, and they will be even more dangerous if they secure a deal for their latest summer target.

Aston Villa look to sign Brennan Johnson

According to the Daily Mail, Villa are trying to sign Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest. The report states that the two clubs have held talks and that £40million might be enough to sign the Wales international.

The Daily Mail add that Johnson is keen to swap the City Ground for Villa Park, which is no surprise given it would allow him to play European football for the first time in his career.

Johnson was excellent last season during his Premier League debut, scoring eight times as Steve Cooper’s side avoided relegation.

The 22-year-old showed real signs of promise, and it could now earn him a move to Aston Villa. That would delight Emery, who is no doubt keen for his team to improve even more during what will be his first full campaign with the club.

Getting Johnson could be a great bit of business, and it is perhaps a deal that could attract envious looks from Tyneside.

Newcastle are fans of Johnson

That is because it was claimed earlier in the year that Newcastle are big fans of Johnson. It was suggested that he could be a summer target for Eddie Howe ahead of the new season.

No move for has been forthcoming, with the Magpies currently aiming their attacking recruitment drive towards a deal for Harvey Barnes.

Johnson was linked with a move to St James’ Park before Forest’s promotion to the top flight, but all talk of a deal ended when they won the playoffs last summer.

Fast forward 12 months and there is once again talk that Johnson will leave, but this time it is Aston Villa making the move – and it could be for a whopping £40million.