Tyrone Mings and John McGinn speak out on Aston Villa selling Jacob Ramsey as two subtle digs made

Tyrone Mings and John McGinn both made their feelings known about Aston Villa selling Jacob Ramsey.

Newcastle United completed the signing of Ramsey on Sunday.

The transfer is worth over £40 million as Villa reluctantly sold their homegrown midfielder to their domestic rivals to comply with PSR (Profit and Sustainability Regulations).

In July, Villa were fined £9.5 million by UEFA for breaching their financial rules last season, including spending more than the permitted 80 per cent of incoming on player wages.

And the club have had to balance their books in the Premier League, too, having sold their women's team to parent company V Sports.

The decision to sell the 24-year-old was also to appease PSR as the £40 million fee represents pure profit due to his academy roots.

But Ramsey's departure has frustrated Villa stars Mings and McGinn, who both shared strongly-worded statements in the wake of the sale.

Jacob Ramsey has signed for Newcastle United for £40 million. Image: Getty

Mings cryptically wrote 'you don't know the half' when reacting to Ramsey's move to Newcastle, while club captain McGinn bemoaned the 'way football is set up these days'.

"Don't wanna hear any bad words or negative on this name. You don't know the half," wrote Mings.

In a social media post, McGinn said: "A perfect example of how an academy player should handle the transition to the first-team.

"Always humble, respectful and willing to learn. It's been a privilege to share the dressing room with you and enjoy some special moments on the pitch together.

"A sad day losing a top player and person and one of our own but it seems to be the way football is set up these days! All the best JJ."

What has Unai Emery said about Aston Villa's PSR issues?

Villa have had a quiet window this summer as they look to resolve their PSR problems.

It was a clear catalyst for the Ramsey deal but Emery is not 'frustrated' with his side's situation, insisting he is 'motivated' and 'excited' over the new season.

Jacob Ramsey in action for Aston Villa during pre-season. Image: Getty

Speaking in Friday's pre-match press conference ahead of Villa's goalless draw against Newcastle, Emery said: "I am not frustrated."

He added: “I accept the rules. I accept where we are and how we are competing and our capacity to compete.

“We have to be proud of what we have done so far and we have to do it again and again. I am motivated and excited, not frustrated.”