According to The Times, Newcastle are ‘expected’ to sign Kieran Tierney this summer, but former boss Unai Emery is pushing for a reunion at Aston Villa.

The Spaniard brought Tierney to Arsenal back in 2019 and remains a ‘big admirer’ of the Scottish international.

The Times report that the left-back looks set to leave Arsenal this summer following end-of-season talks with Mikel Arteta and it seems Newcastle and Villa are the two clubs fighting for his signature.

St James’ Park is deemed his ‘likely destination’ following interest from Eddie Howe – who tried to bring the 25-year-old to Bournemouth many years ago. However, he’s now receiving ‘strong interest’ from Villa Park.

One big advantage we hold over Villa is our offer of Champions League football. Emery has done an incredible job and did superbly to secure 7th and Europa Conference football with a final day win over Brighton, but the chance to play in the UCL and move closer to family in Scotland could be a big pull for Tierney.

Not only that, he could make the left-back spot his own on Tyneside. At Villa, however, they recently signed highly-rated Spaniard Alex Moreno and also have French international Lucas Digne on their books, suggesting a tougher path to regular minutes.

If we can strike a deal with Arsenal – who are said to be demanding around £30-£35m – it feels like we’re in pole position to land the Gunners defender.

Aston Villa plan to rival Newcastle United for the signing of Kieran Tierney this summer, with the left back expected to leave Arsenal https://t.co/EXY5wP3oX5

— Times Sport (@TimesSport) June 2, 2023