Yet, Newcastle haven't exhausted all options for a new centre-forward. Villa and England stalwart, Ollie Watkins, is also reportedly on the Magpies' radar.
Eddie Howe is said to be an admirer of the 29-year-old, who netted 16 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League last season. Despite Villa insisting that Watkins is not for sale this summer amid interest from the likes of the Red Devils, success from their own pursuit of a new striker could potentially soften their stance.
Following Jhon Duran's departure for Al-Nassr in January, Watkins remains as Villa's only recognised striker. However, this could soon change as the Villains edge closer to signing Guessand.
It's reported that Villa have tabled a £26m bid plus £4.3m in add-ons for the 24-year-old, who netted 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season. The striker is expected to undergo his medical in the midlands on Thursday.
If everything goes smoothly between Villa, Guessand and his agents, it could pave the way for Newcastle to make a move for Watkins, who was valued at £60m by his current club earlier this year. And with Manchester United seemingly securing their target in Sesko, competition for Watkins' signature would significantly decrease.
It's been a bustling summer in Tyneside for Newcastle executives, with the board aiming to enable Howe to bolster his existing squad ahead of the new season. United have already secured Anthony Elanga in a £55m deal from Nottingham Forest, as well as acquiring Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan.
However, it seems Newcastle are now keen to reinforce their defence as well as their attack. The Magpies have long admired AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw, who until recently seemed surplus to requirements at San Siro but has impressed head coach Massimiliano Allegri in pre-season matches against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Consequently, Il Rossoneri are hesitant to let go of the 23-year-old, with recent reports suggesting that Thiaw will remain at his current club unless an offer significantly exceeding his market value is tabled. Newcastle United'ssummer has not only been marked by potential arrivals but also by speculation surrounding the future of Alexander Isak.
The Swedish international has thrived since his transfer from Real Sociedad to the north east in 2022, netting 62 goals in 109 appearances to date. However, the 25-year-old's desire to explore opportunities away from Newcastle this summer has caused a stir.
As a result, Isak was absent from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia and has only recently returned to training on Tyneside after a brief period maintaining his fitness levels with Sociedad. So far, the only interest in the player has come from Liverpool this summer, with the Reds' £110m bid promptly rejected due to Newcastle's £150m valuation.