Exclusive: Aston Villa accelerate Nicolas Jackson talks after Chelsea reveal

Aston Villa are accelerating their efforts to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, sources have told Football Insider.

Preliminary talks are already underway after Unai Emery's side made contact with Chelsea to ascertain what it would take to land the 24-year-old.

Conversations have also been held with the striker's representatives about his willingness to move after what has been a turbulent year at Stamford Bridge.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 30 June that Emery is pushing for Villa to sign Jackson as he looks to overhaul his front line this summer.

Sources say the boss is a big fan of Jackson and sees him as having the potential to develop into an elite Premier League forward with the right guidance.

Emery knows the Cameroon international well after their time together at Villarreal, while Jackson previously credited the Spaniard with teaching him "everything". [Sky Sports]

Aston Villa close on signing Nicolas Jackson after Ollie Watkins exit

Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in June that Chelsea are prepared to accept offers for Jackson after Enzo Maresca gave the green light.

The signings of both Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have now opened the door for the Senegal star's exit, particularly given their contrasting Club World Cup displays.

The striker scored 13 goals and provided six assists across 37 games in all competitions last season, but Maresca is keen to add a more consistent option to his front line.

Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Villa are willing to sell Ollie Watkins, with Jackson viewed as his long-term replacement.

Villa are Chelsea are understood to have a positive working relationship behind the scenes after previous deals for Ian Maatsen and Omari Kellyman.

Leon Bailey could leave Villa Park as replacement lined up

Watkins is not the only forward who could be allowed to leave Villa Park this summer as Emery continues to eye an overhaul of his attacking options.

Brown told Football Insider on 15 July that Emery plans to sign a new right-winger and is prepared to cash in on Leon Bailey to facilitate signing his replacement.

The right-hand side was a constant source of frustration for Emery last season, and he is now keen to bring in a star player to nail down his position.

As a result, Brown told Football Insider that Emery is pushing to sign Barcelona’s Ferran Torres and has spoken to contacts in Spain about the deal.

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