Sources: Aston Villa make move to sign Nicolas Jackson ahead of January window
Aston Villa have made an enquiry for Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson as they step up their January plans to strengthen the squad, sources have told Football Insider.
The Senegal international, 21, has been on Unai Emery's radar since he took over at Villa Park having worked with the forward during his time in charge of Villarreal.
This site revealed last month (10 November) that the Midlands giants want to sign a top-class forward capable of operating across the front line in the upcoming window.
Emery has made it a priority to recruit a new forward at Villa when the transfer window opens and the club will back their manager with funds to spend next month.
The Midlands giants also have a "concrete" interest in signing Jackson's forward teammate Samuel Chukwueze in January.
Spaniard Emery is also keen to lure a third Villarreal player in Pau Torres as he looks to bring in a new centre-back.
Villa are expected to be one of the busier Premier League clubs in January as owners Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris look to once again back their manager to the hilt.
Jackson was part of Senegal's squad at the World Cup and made one brief appearance off the bench against the Netherlands.
He is not a regular starter at Villarreal - unlike teammate Chukwueze - but has accumulated 1122 minutes of action this season from his 21 appearances for the club.
They have yielded three goals and provided two assists.
Emery has won both of his league games in charge of his new side, most recently disposing of Brighton 2-1 at the Amex (13 November).
Villa went into the World Cup break 12th in the Premier League, five points off the relegation zone.