NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Newcastle bolstered its midfield options ahead of a return to the Champions League by signing midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for a reported $53 million on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Ramsey, who came through Villa’s academy and made 167 appearances for the club, is Newcastle’s fourth signing of a transfer window where most of the focus has been on its star striker, Alexander Isak. Isak has been linked with a move to Liverpool.

Newcastle has already signed winger Anthony Elanga, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and defender Malick Thiaw.

“This is a big move for me,” Ramsey said, “but as soon as I knew the gaffer (manager Eddie Howe) was interested and really liked me, it didn’t take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who

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