Just In 🚨: Newcastle have joined the race to sign a proven Premier League star, whom Aston Villa have prepared £52m to sign. The player is keen to join Villa.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United have both made enquiries about former Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, with the Frenchman expected to leave AC Milan after just one season.

According to reports in Italy, the two Premier League clubs are now ‘tussling’ for the 28-year-old’s signature.

Milan are reportedly demanding at least €35 million (£30 million), although they would prefer a higher fee.

Nkunku joined the Serie A giants from Chelsea last summer but struggled to establish himself, scoring seven league goals in around 1,300 minutes.

Villa and Newcastle have already spoken to his representatives and held initial discussions with Milan, while RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma are also interested.

Newcastle could offer Nkunku the clearest route to regular football. Their forwards lacked consistency last season, while his ability to play centrally or from wider positions would provide valuable attacking flexibility.

Villa would present a different challenge. With Ollie Watkins still leading the line, competition for a starting place would be fierce.

Nkunku’s pedigree is undeniable. He scored 58 goals across his final two seasons at Leipzig before joining Chelsea for around £52 million in 2023.

However, a serious knee injury delayed his debut at Stamford Bridge, and he never consistently rediscovered his best form under Enzo Maresca.

His struggles have continued in Italy, making a £30m-plus investment a significant gamble for either Premier League club.