Will Osula: Aston Villa turn attention to signing Newcastle star after deal collapses at 11th hour
Will Osula is wanted by Aston Villa as he impresses at Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window.
Osula has been forced to bide his time for regular minutes under Eddie Howe, but is emerging as his first choice centre-forward as the season concludes.
He has certainly repaid Howe’s faith, with five goals in his last six outings for Newcastle as several Premier League clubs keep tabs on his potential availability.
Aston Villa are one of those sides, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, but the Magpies are reluctant to let him leave this summer.
Newcastle’s transfer dealings could see numerous big-name players leave St James’ Park, hence why they are determined to keep hold of Osula and his lofty potential.
🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom.
VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUBAston Villa plotting Will Osula move despite Newcastle’s view on transfer
Interest in Osula’s services is nothing new, after Eintracht Frankfurt saw a bid to sign him on loan with a £28.5million option-to-buy rejected by Newcastle on Deadline Day last summer.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Osula is happy to stay on Tyneside after his recent run in the side, but Villa are keen to swoop for his services to bolster their own attacking options.
| Minutes played | 85′ |
| Goals | 2 |
| Shots on target | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 6/7 |
| Touches in opposition box | 5 |
| Ground duels won | 5/5 |
| Aerial duels won | 0/4 |
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It’s going to be very difficult for Aston Villa or anybody else to get him out now.
“Looking at the last two transfer windows, last summer in January, there was a big, big chance that he could have left. He was very close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt until a deal fell down at the last minute.
“He has got his head down and worked his way into Eddie Howe’s plans. He’s really playing his way to staying at Newcastle long-term as well and has jumped ahead of others in the striker pecking order.”
Newcastle have eyes on play-off final as Hayden Hackney move lined up
Sandro Tonali is facing an uncertain future at Newcastle following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
His exit would leave them short in midfield, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Middlesbrough star Hackney is admired by Newcastle ahead of the summer window.
Boro face Hull City in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, with a departure deemed very likely if they fail to win promotion.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Newcastle Insider Access
Get the full story from St James’ Park and Darsley Park with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Tyneside.