The 27-year-old Spanish defender is keen on a move to England, according to Sky Sports journalist Patrick Rowe, and his Premier League preference has given the two clubs a clear advantage over interest from Serie A and La Liga rivals also circling.
Mingueza is versatile enough to operate at right-back, left-back and centre-back, and has spent much of this season as a right wing-back in Celta's 3-4-3 system. He finished the campaign as joint top assist provider for the club alongside club legend Iago Aspas, underlining his attacking contribution as well as his defensive reliability.
The interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United has been building for months. Scouts from both clubs, along with representatives from Everton, were present when Mingueza helped Celta come from behind to beat Girona 2-1 in March.
Aston Villa have a particular need at right-back, where Matty Cash is their primary option, and Mingueza's ability to fill multiple defensive positions makes him an appealing addition as Unai Emery continues to build squad depth for Champions League football. Villa's return to European competition's elite tier next season could also prove decisive in attracting the player.
For Newcastle, the appeal is similarly rooted in defensive cover across multiple positions, with the club seeking efficiency in the market.
Celta's ability to negotiate a fee has been complicated by the fact that Mingueza changed his agent earlier this year to UK-based Unique Sports Group, after which the Spanish club heard nothing further from his camp regarding a renewal. The change of representation made a Premier League destination the likely outcome.
Mingueza joined Celta on a permanent basis from Barcelona in July 2022, having come through the Catalan club's academy. He has made close to 150 appearances for the Galician side and collected four caps for the Spanish national team.
A transfer fee appears unlikely at this stage, though Barcelona retain a sell-on clause from the original deal. Whoever signs Mingueza will be acquiring a full international in the prime years of his career at no transfer cost.