Unai Emery is already telling Aston Villa to sign exciting attacker wanted by Barcelona

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Unai Emery wants Nicolas Jackson at Aston Villa and is urging the club to move for the Villarreal talent before Barcelona swoop in.

This time a week ago, Emery was still in charge of Villarreal; well, officially at least.

Little did we know that Emery was doing a deal with Aston Villa as they moved in to appoint Steven Gerrard’s future.

Emery will officially make his move to Villa Park on Tuesday once his work permit issues are sorted, and he walks in after a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Unai Emery wants Nicolas Jackson

There are always transfer rumours whenever a new manager enters the building.

Usually it’s a player from the manager’s former club, with a reunion being lined up.

Nobody will be surprised then when they read that Aston Villa are being linked with a Villarreal player in Nicolas Jackson.

Mundo Deportivo report that Emery is telling Villa to make a move for Jackson ‘quickly’ just days after replacing Gerrard.

Emery will of course have been consulted about future transfers and he seems to have suggested Jackson as a target.

The problem for Villa is that Mundo Deportivo’s report claims that Barcelona are interested in Jackson too.

Jackson is out of contract at the end of the season and clubs are seemingly lining up to sign him.

Villarreal still have time to sort out a new contract but joining Barcelona or reuniting with Emery at Villa may appeal to Jackson.

Jackson, 21, has played mostly as a striker under Emery this season but can also on either flank.

Two goals and two assists in 12 La Liga appearances this season isn’t a bad return for Jackson, who is still developing.

Now in contention for the Senegalese World Cup squad, Jackson’s reputation may simply go from strength to strength in the coming months.

Emery will hope that his existing relationship with Jackson can help Villa win the race, adding another attacking threat to his squad for years to come.