Damian Vidagany has revealed that Aston Villa tried to extend Jacob Ramsey’s contract for a full year before he joined Newcastle United.

The 24-year-old moved to Newcastle in a deal worth £39 million plus add -ons in August, becoming Villa’s major sale of the summer window.

Villa had already signed Evann Guessand and had no financial wriggle room left in their budget to make further signings, despite selling Ramsey a fortnight before the window closed.

Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott were loaned in on deadline day, while Victor Lindelöf joined on a free transfer.

Ramsey, meanwhile, has endured a difficult start to his career at Newcastle, having missed seven games through an ankle injury, including their big Champions League night against Barcelona.

In an interview with BBC West Midlands, Villa’s Director of Football Operations, Vidagany, explained the truth about Ramsey’s big-money move to St James’ Park.

“It was very sad that Jacob departed because Jacob represented the dream of every Birmingham neighbourhood. But there are two things.

“We sold Jacob Ramsey because...