Newcastle try to salvage disastrous transfer window with surprise Aston Villa raid

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are considering a move for Aston Villa captain John McGinn. The 30-year-old is high on the Magpies' list of targets, with Eddie Howe's side admiring the midfielder's 'reliability and character'.

Not much has gone right for Newcastle this summer. Star striker Alexander Isak wants to leave, Manchester United seem primed to beat them to Benjamin Sesko's signature, and long-term goalkeeper target James Trafford joined Manchester City instead of them, too. If they could sign McGinn, that would be a quality and experienced signing for Newcastle as they try to find some positives from this off-season.

The report adds that the Scotland international 'could be available' this window, with the former Hibernian man currently having two years left on his contract. Villa have already rebuffed interest from Everton, so Newcastle may have their work cut out to sign McGinn - who joined the Villans in 2018 - this summer. 

While Newcastle try and make some statement signings before the Premier League season begins in less than a fortnight, Howe's team take on Espanyol and Atletico Madrid in their final pre-season games on Friday and Saturday, respectively.