Newcastle and Aston Villa launch summer moves for 144 career goal star

To say it’s been a hectic summer for Newcastle United and Aston Villa would be an understatement. Both have lost key players and both have been forced to find instant replacements.

Admittedly, Villa have achieved the latter part with far more success than the Magpies. Unai Emery has welcomed Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho to replace Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers. Newcastle, meanwhile, have struggled to land all of their top targets.

Now, the Premier League duo are set to meet again in the transfer market in pursuit of James Tavernier. The former Rangers captain is still a free agent after leaving Ibrox at the end of last season and is not short on interest.

At 34 years old, Tavernier brought an end to a legendary Rangers career. The veteran right-back did it all at Ibrox and the Gers will struggle to find another defender who’s capable of 292 goal involvements in 565 games.

As Newcastle go in search of a replacement for Kieran Trippier, signing Tavernier would make a lot of sense. It’s one experienced defender for another and one who could drive Eddie Howe’s side forward.

At a time when no star player has a guaranteed future on Tyneside, signing Tavernier would also ease concerns that Newcastle could be left stranded by Tino Livramento.

The situation is less urgent for Aston Villa, who have got Matty Cash to call on alongside the young Kosta Nedeljkovic, which would make Tavernier more of a signing for pure experience.

Aston Villa and Newcastle launch James Tavernier hijack

REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

As reported by TeamTalk, Aston Villa and Newcastle have launched approaches to sign Tavernier this summer, as they look to hijack Charlotte FC’s move in the MLS.

The American side are reportedly in pole position, with the right-back leaning towards an MLS move at this stage of his career, but Villa and Newcastle are not giving up.

While Tavernier remains a free agent, the Premier League duo remain in the race to secure his signature. The ball is very much in the defender’s court, but he should make a decision as soon as possible as pre-season gets underway.

REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Away from right-back, Newcastle are of course focusing on welcoming another midfielder. They’ve already signed Aladji Bamba from AS Monaco, but still need further additions as Bruno Guimaraes gears up to depart.

Just who that next name is remains the big question. Botafogo star Danilo is certainly a name of interest.

The Brazilian has been in fine form in South America and the Magpies have already made contact in the race to secure his signature. With a release clause worth just €20m (£17m), he’s one to watch this summer.