Johan Manzambi: Newcastle set to lose Switzerland World Cup hero to Aston Villa

Newcastle believe they are set to miss out on the signing of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa.

The Switzerland international's preference is understood to be Villa, who have offered to match the £49m deal Newcastle verbally agreed with Freiburg.

The offer of Champions League football is said to have been a key motivator behind Manzambi's decision to opt for Villa.

The 20-year-old had verbally agreed personal terms with Newcastle but was waiting until after Switzerland's World Cup was over before making a final call on his future.

Switzerland were knocked out by Argentina in a 3-1 quarter-final defeat after extra-time.