Aston Villa and Everton are now lining up bids to secure the transfer of Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson. The Premier League rivals have also expressed their interest in the move.
That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports a quartet of Premier League teams are set to tussle for Jackson’s transfer. He is sought after in England after a steady season in Spain so far. The one-cap Senegal striker has scored two and created two goals in 14 La Liga games.
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Aston Villa and Everton, along with AFC Bournemouth and Southampton, all admire what the 21-year-old has shown at Villarreal. Jackson also made his Senegal debut at the World Cup in Qatar after featuring as a late substitute during their 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands.
Unai Emery’s arrival at Villa Park has heightened Aston Villa’s interest in Jackson as he has made the striker one of his top targets. The pair already have a bond, as well, as the Banjul native made his La Liga debut under Emery in October 2021 and 19 of his 22 outings so far.
But Jackson’s ability to play from the wings as well as through the centre has increased the interest in England. Now, Everton are also ready to make Villarreal an offer after opting to hold off on pursuing his transfer in the summer. Yet they are far from the only teams keen.
Everton have already informed Villarreal of their interest in Jackson’s transfer
Frank Lampard wants Everton to make Villarreal an offer for Jackson’s transfer as the Blues boss is desperate for offensive reinforcements. But new Bournemouth owner Bill Foley will back Gary O’Neil in their first transfer market together and Jackson is firmly on their radar.
Southampton, too, will back a new head coach this January after sacking Ralph Hasenhuttl and hiring Nathan Jones. All the while Villarreal are aware of the increased interest in their forward and are under no pressure to sell as Jackson is under contract through until 2026.
But the Premier League quartet preparing offers can still prise the striker from the Estadio de la Ceramica this month. The Daily Mail recently reported that Villarreal included a £27m release clause in Jackson’s terms. So, any negotiations in January could be straightforward.
The Daily Mail also noted that initial talks had also already started between Villarreal with Bournemouth, Everton and Newcastle United. The Premier League trio have registered an interest in Jackson’s transfer and some are now ready to step up their pursuits with a bid.
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