NEWCASTLE UNITED face competition from Aston Villa as they look to prise left-back Kieran Tierney from Arsenal this summer.

Tierney is set to leave the Emirates after expressing frustration at his lack of first-team involvement this season.

The Scotland international, who was handed just six Premier League starts this term, has met with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and is understood to have outlined his desire to move on in search of more regular first-team football. With Oleksandr Zinchenko firmly established as Arsenal’s number one left-back, Arteta will not stand in Tierney’s way.

Newcastle are aware of the situation, with Tierney firmly established as their number one choice for a new left-back this summer.

The Isle of Man-born 25-year-old is contracted to the Gunners until the summer of 2026, and while he has not had much chance to showcase his talents this season, his performances with Celtic prior to moving to North London repeatedly highlighted his qualities.

While Dan Burn has excelled on the left of Newcastle’s back four this season, Eddie Howe would like to sign a more natural full-back capable of offering an attacking threat down the left-hand side this summer.

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Matt Targett, Jamal Lewis and Paul Dummett are all currently part of the Magpies’ senior squad, but Howe does not see any of the trio as a first-choice option.

Newcastle’s recruitment team are ready to make a formal offer for Tierney,  but they are set to face stiff competition from Aston Villa, who are also keen to recruit the Scotsman.

Villa boss Unai Emery sees the left-back spot as a priority position this summer, with question marks hanging over the long-term future of Lucas Digne, who started on the left of the back four as Villa beat Brighton on the final day of the season to secure a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.

Villa intend to table a bid for Tierney before the transfer window officially reopens later this month, which could force Newcastle’s hand.

While the Magpies are keen to avoid a bidding war, there is a willingness to meet Arsenal’s current demands and unlike Villa, Newcastle can offer the prospect of Champions League football next season, which could prove decisive.