Tottenham learn Aston Villa Jacob Ramsey stance as first bid rejected ahead of PSR deadline

Aston Villa have reportedly rejected a player-plus-cash approach from Tottenham for Jacob Ramsey.

Ramsey, 23, who starred for Villa during the 2022/23 campaign, spent much of last season injured. In fact, the midfielder made just nine starts in the Premier League and played 21 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal and adding two assists.

But Spurs are keeping tabs on Villa's financial situation and have made an offer of £20million, plus Argentina international Giovani Lo Celso, for Ramsey. It has been turned down by Villa, however, who insist they want to keep him at the club going into next season.

READ MORE: What Tottenham players can expect from Nick Montgomery in training after Ange Postecoglou call

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou has already given exciting Nick Montgomery verdict for Tottenham academy stars

It was reported earlier this month that Villa have to sell before the end of June to meet profit and sustainability rules. But it's understood the sale of Tim Iroegbunam to Everton for £9million has kept them above the dotted line. This means that Villa are in no immediate pressure to sell, though Omari Kellyman is set to join Chelsea for £19m and Douglas Luiz is on the verge of moving to Juventus.

As for Tottenham, a move for Ramsey shows that Daniel Levy is keen to strengthen his squad this summer. Spurs finished the season in fifth and will compete in the Europa League next term. Ange Postecoglou is set to demand three new signings to his squad ahead of his second season in charge.

As well as midfield, an area Postecoglou is keen to strengthen is up front. Speaking after the post-season friendly against Newcastle in Australia, Postecoglou made that clear. "Yeah, absolutely. It's no secret. You saw the way we finished the season," said Postecoglou.

"We obviously lost Richy and Timo as well with injuries but we're fairly light in that area. We started last season with Manor [Solomon] and [Ivan] Perisic and we were quite healthy in that front third in terms of numbers, but as the year went on it became pretty evident that we need to bulk up.

"We're in Europe as well next year so we'll have more games and it's definitely an area of the park we'll need to strengthen."