Aston Villa secures club-record signing of Swiss World Cup star Johan Manzambi from SC Freiburg for up to €70 million, beating Newcastle to the deal.

Aston Villa nears a $65 million deal for Johan Manzambi while exploring a transfer for World Cup star Julian Quinones to boost Champions League depth.

Newcastle had reached a club-to-club agreement with Freiburg for Manzambi before Villa stepped up their pursuit.