Aston Villa must ruthlessly sell Marvelous Nakamba in the upcoming transfer window amid Newcastle United's reported interest in him.

What's the story?

The £55k-a-week ace was linked with a potential exit back in the January transfer window earlier this year, with rumours that Galatasaray were keen on signing him after their initial interest the previous summer.

Now, Football Insider claim that the now money-rich Newcastle have set their sights on Nakamba, with strengthening their midfield one of their top priorities under their new owners.

The report adds that the Zimbabwe international's energy and drive is something the Magpies are keen on, and that it is expected to take a fee in the region of £15m to prise him away from Villa Park.

He's not good enough for Villa

While nobody can question Nakamba's work ethic and energy, you do feel that Dean Smith could really do with an upgrade in that all-important anchor man role in midfield.

The Zimbabwean has never averaged more than two tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the Premier League in his time at Villa Park, while his start to the current campaign has been particularly below-par to say the least.

He's averaged just 0.4 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per match, which to put into context, is considerably lower than even the likes of Anwar El Ghazi and Ashley Young respectively.

If Villa are to take that next step and really break into the top half of the table, let alone the European places given their indifferent start this season, signing a top-class holding midfielder should surely be on the agenda.

Nakamba has served them well up til now, but getting rid of him and bringing in a genuine upgrade on him could hold the key to ensuring Villa go up another level.

If Newcastle do come in with a £15m bid, then Nakamba's time at Villa Park simply has to be up.

Meanwhile, Villa have been handed a transfer update on this winger...