Intermediaries have offered Newcastle United a chance to seal a transfer for Villarreal ace Nicolas Jackson. But Aston Villa are holding direct talks to sign the Chelsea target.
That is according to 90min, which reports that Chelsea are hopeful of beating their Premier League rivals to sign Jackson. But the Villarreal striker’s agents are also speaking directly to Aston Villa about his transfer. While intermediaries have now contacted Newcastle, as well.
AFC Bournemouth are keen to see Jackson switch La Liga for the Premier League, too, after backing away from signing the forward in January. The Cherries opted against completing a deal for the Senegal international as the 21-year-old’s medical raised concerns on an injury.
Premier League clubs move to secure Nicolas Jackson’s transfer
A clutch of Premier League teams are now moving to make Bournemouth regret putting a deal on the backburner now. Aston Villa have opened direct talks with Jackson over a deal that would reunite the striker with Unai Emery. He played under the Spaniard at Villarreal.
Chelsea, too, are firmly in the race but intermediaries have approached Newcastle to offer Jackson’s transfer from Villarreal. The Banjul, Gambia-born star is likely to have his pick of sides after breaking out in 2022/23. He scored 13 goals and laid on five assists in 38 games.
How much do Villarreal want for Nicolas Jackson’s transfer?
Newcastle may trail in any race for Jackson’s transfer from Villarreal should manager Eddie Howe advance on the intermediaries’ offer. Reports by The Evening Standard earlier in the week suggested Chelsea have held talks with both, El Submarino Amarillo and the attacker.
Jackson attracted Chelsea’s interest after ending the La Liga season with nine goals and two assists in eight games. The Blues also admire that Villarreal only want £30m for his transfer. He represents a considerably cheaper target than Napoli’s £100m forward, Victor Osimhen.
What could help Newcastle is the prospect of Champions League football at St James’ Park next season. Jackson got a taste of European football with Villarreal this term in the Europa Conference League. While Chelsea failed to secure any UEFA action for the 2023/24 term.
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