Aston Villa to sign Nicolas Jackson for ‘nothing’ after source’s update – pundit
Aston Villa won’t hesitate to activate Nicolas Jackson’s Villarreal release clause as soon as the January transfer window opens.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about how much the Villains could spend in January.
On 28 December, sources told Football Insider that Villa have made Jackson, 21, one of their top targets in the January transfer window and have registered their interest in a potential deal.
However, it is understood Villarreal will only allow the attacker to leave if his £30million release clause is met.
McManus claims the MIdlands giants won’t hesitate to activate the clause they are serious about matching Emery’s ambition.
“That’s nothing if Villa are serious about backing Emery,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“We have seen Villa aren’t scared to spend. They did it under Gerrard and Smith. Now they have a top, top coach in Emery and I think they will do the same now.
“Emery knows what he wants and a few weeks ago I said that I wouldn’t be surprised if a few players from Villarreal arrived.
“They are a good team and Emery obviously knows them well. I don’t think he would have left Villarreal during the season if he hadn’t been promised certain things.
“It’s a very short transfer window and you can’t afford to haggle. It wouldn’t;t surprise me if Villa just pay up and get that deal done.”
Jackson was part of Senegal’s squad at the World Cup but only made one brief appearance off the bench against the Netherlands.
Villa are next in action against Tottenham on New Year’s Day.
In other news, Agbonlahor has suggested Aston Villa to accept ‘very, very big’ Emiliano Martinez bid amid ‘release clause’ claim.