Newcastle consider bold move for captain of Premier League rival

Newcastle are interested in Aston Villa captain John McGinn, talkSPORT understands.

Eddie Howe is keen to add to his midfield options at St. James’ Park.

It follows Sean Longstaff’s exit from the club earlier in the transfer window.

The Newcastle academy graduate joined newly-promoted Leeds on a four-year deal last month.

Meanwhile, Joe Willock faces up to six weeks out with a foot injury picked up on the club’s pre-season tour.

As a result, Howe has been left with just four available first-team midfielders just over a week before the start of the season.

Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Lewis Miley are currently at the Magpies boss’ disposal.

However, Tonali is managing a knee issue stemming from the trip to Asia, although he is expected to resume full training this week.

Newcastle’s light midfield options see the club identify McGinn as a potential target.

The Scotland international is into the final two years of his contract at Villa Park.

Unai Emery’s side also missed out on Champions League qualification to Newcastle for the upcoming season.

McGinn scored three goals in ten appearances during Villa’s run to the quarter-finals last term and Emery is said to not be keen on losing his captain.

Since signing from Hibernian in 2018, the 30-year-old has featured 285 times for the club.

He was also given the armband three years ago having initially shared the responsibility following Jack Grealish’s exit.

Who have Newcastle signed?

It has been a disappointing summer in the transfer window so far for Newcastle.

The club are set to miss out on the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian international’s preference is a move to Old Trafford, although it’s not been confirmed this is where he’ll end up.

Sesko’s arrival would have allowed Newcastle to reluctantly sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool having previously rejecting a £110million bid.

The forward is currently training on his own after returning to the club this week.

With less than a month of the window remaining, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale are Howe’s only additions to the first-team squad.