Aston Villa have moved ahead of Newcastle United in the race for Switzerland international Johan Manzambi.Newcastle had a deal agreed with Freiburg last week for £49million and verbal agreement on terms with the 20-year-old.They were keen to get a deal done as they knew of competition from Villa while Manchester United were also in the background.They were also aware that with the player away at the World Cup they were unable to get final details signed off so there was risk others could step in.Villa have now accelerated their efforts to sign the midfielder with Amadou Onana out for an extended period with ligament damage. It is thought the fee will be just below £60m, which is a club record.Villa are able to offer Champions League football and a competitive salary and now hope to finalise terms with the player who is expected to choose them over Newcastle. Aston Villa have moved ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Swiss star Johan Manzambi Indeed, Newcastle sources say that despite holding positive talks with Manzambi’s camp they were never given the impression that they were 100 per cent committed to joining them and there was always a suspicion another club was in the background. Daily Mail Sport reported Villa’s interest in Thursday’s Window Watch transfer round-up.If Villa complete this deal, it would be a statement of intent as they prepare to return to the Champions League next season.Yet the club are also operating within strict financial limitations imposed by UEFA, meaning that any significant signing may have to be followed by a sale.The attacking midfielder has been one of the breakout stars of the World Cup, scoring three goals and providing two assists until his tournament was cruelly ended by a knee injury.Manzambi impressed Villa during their preparations for the Europa League Final, even though Freiburg were beaten 3-0 by Unai Emery’s side in May.Villa remain adamant they will not entertain a deal for Morgan Rogers unless they are offered well in excess of £100million for the England forward.Rogers’ club mate Ollie Watkins is also attracting interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahce, who believe they can tempt the 30-year-old with a three-year deal and a significant pay rise.