Multiple reports claim that Freiburg's Johan Manzambi has decided to join Aston Villa instead of Newcastle United.

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It looked as though Newcastle United had won the race to sign Johan Manzambi from SC Freiburg after recently agreeing a fee of around €60 million with the Bundesliga club.

However, Aston Villa have now successfully hijacked the deal and look set to sign the 20-year-old Swiss international instead, according to multiple sources, including Sky Germany, Fabrizio Romano and English journalist Ben Jacobs.

Sky Germany reports on Sunday evening that Aston Villa have reached a full agreement with SC Freiburg on a deal worth almost €70 million, including add-ons.

Manzambi has reportedly agreed a long-term contract with Villa, with the player expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before the transfer is officially announced.