‘Aston Villa handed Nicolas Jackson boost amid Man United update’
Aston Villa have received a rare piece of positive news this transfer window as they pursue Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson to bolster their attacking options.
It was exclusively revealed by Football Insider that Aston Villa have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for Jackson, a player Unai Emery managed at Villarreal.
Jackson faces stiff competition to maintain his place at Chelsea after Enzo Maresca signed strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Pedro has already made an immediate impact at the Club World Cup as the Blues won the competition and received over £80million in prize money.
Villa could lose star in Jackson chase
Following their Club World Cup success, Maresca still wants to strengthen his squad and has eyed up Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers.
Chelsea are prepared to offer Jackson and defender Tosin Adarabioyo in a swap deal for Rogers.
Jackson though was also of interest to Manchester United, but BBC Sport [July 29] now reports the Red Devils’ pursuit of the 24-year-old has “cooled.”
However, United could now turn their attention to Watkins alongside RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko who is also a target for Ruben Amorim.
Villa face uncertain start into new season
Football Insider Verdict
Aston Villa have required another striker since Jhon Duran left in January, but Emery will want Jackson and Watkins in the same squad next season.
The pair are not prolific goal scorers, although their pace and work ethic causes problems for many Premier League defences.
| Apperances | 81 |
| Goals | 30 |
| Assists | 12 |
Villa now have a clearer path to complete the signing of Jackson, but Emery will not be keen to involve Rogers in any deal, even though the club have placed a £100m valuation on the 23-year-old.
More negotiations are required between Villa and Chelsea to agree a deal, with the saga potentially set to last until the end of the transfer window.
Villa do look likely to lose key players in this window due to financial regulations and Man United may go all out for Watkins if they cannot sign Sesko which could prompt a sale for the 29-year-old.
It is not a smooth transition into the new Premier League season for Villa and Emery who will have wanted to have upgraded areas of his squad by this stage in the window.