Newcastle target ‘leaning towards’ Aston Villa transfer with ‘battle royal on the cards’

Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle United are both interested in signing Villarreal winger Alex Baena, according to reports.

Baena has five caps for the Spanish national team and has played 121 times for Villarreal, scoring 19 goals and providing 34 assists.

He is highly rated in Spain and reportedly has a €60million (£51m) release clause in his contract, which does not run out for another four years.

His contract length doesn t matter given his very decent release clause, with Villarreal helpless if it is triggered.

Baena first signed for Villarreal when he was 11 years old and spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Girona, who were in the second division at the time.

The 23-year-old has started the season with an impressive four…