Aston Villa told to U-turn on Nicolas Jackson deal after source’s update
Alan Hutton has claimed Aston Villa can find a better striker than Nicolas Jackson.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Villa right-back said Unai Emery needs a player capable of scoring “20 plus” goals a season.
On 28 December, sources told this site that Villareal are demanding Villa activate the 21-year-old’s release clause to let him leave in January.
The forward is one of Emery’s top targets in the January window and Villa have registered their interest in a potential deal.
But, the Spanish club are reluctant to let him leave unless the £30million release clause is met.
Jackson’s current contract runs until 2026 after signing a professional deal in the summer.
The Villans have scored 17 goals this season and Emery has made it a priority to recruit a new forward in the winter window.
Hutton insisted Villa need to add to their attacking options.
“If Villa were clinical enough against Liverpool they probably could have got a few more goals,” he told Football Insider.
“I understand why he is looking to bring in that sort of player.
“If they are talking about trying to charge up the league and get in to European spots, I think he needs somebody that is going to score 20 plus goals a season. Is he that guy? I am not so sure.
“There will be other options but I get why managers turn to players that they have worked with because they know what they are capable of and they know how to get the best out of them.“
In other news, Agbonlahor has swiped at Unai Emery after Aston Villa update today – ‘it’s not necessary’.