Nigel: A good fit. Dynamic, can score, energetic and positionally flexible. All the attributes Eddie Howe likes in a young player. He will gel well with our current first three midfielders and I do not see him as a step down if any of them are unable to play. Jacob will get plenty of playing time.

It is clear Villa need quality reinforcements - they are without former loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio and are about to sell Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for £40m - but financial restrictions have ruled Villa's summer transfer spend. Emery called ...

Newcastle were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Aston Villa to kick off the season with major implications for Eddie Howe's men.