Southampton are reportedly on the verge of signing Villarreal attacker Nicolas Jackson in a £17m deal, beating the likes of Aston Villa and Everton to the 21-year-old winger.
According to the Athletic, the Saints are closing in on reaching a full agreement with the La Liga side to sign the Senegal international, with Jackson set to become Southampton’s second attacking arrival of the January transfer window under Nathan Jones.
Sat bottom of the Premier League, Southampton are in need of attacking reinforcements if they’re to get themselves out of the relegation zone and into safety, and the signing of Jackson could provide just that, with Tuttomercatoweb reporting that the youngster was wanted by the likes of Everton and Unai Emery’s Villa.
Despite just two goals and two assists this season, Jackson is regarded by many as one of the most exciting talents coming out of Spain this campaign. And Southampton landing the attacker could be quite the coup for Jones if the forward can hit the ground running in the Premier League.
- Everton or Aston Villa could sign 'incredible' £80m ace for £15m this summer
- Bournemouth transfer news: Cherries eye swoop for Everton & Villa target
Indeed, alongside fellow January signing Mislav Orsic, the Saints have recruited well this month and have dramatically improved their attacking options out on the wing. And beating Premier League rivals Everton and Villa to Jackson’s signature will be seen by many Southampton supporters as a major confidence boost.
With under two weeks remaining in the window, there’s still time for Jones to do more business this January that could result in the south coast side pushing on from their recent Premier League win at Everton, with an extra signing following on from Jackson an ideal play for the Saints.
Southampton should look at one more signing amid Jackson arrival
Southampton’s fortunes could be about to turn with the Saints in the League Cup semi-finals and Jones finally getting his first win in the Premier League this weekend. Yet even with Jackson making his way to England, more could be done in the market to guarantee top-flight safety.
As we know, Southampton have the funds and the scouting network to find one more player in the market that has the potential to take the squad to the next level. And with Jackson a done deal, a third and final signing could be the definitive game changer for the St. Mary’s side.
In other news, "Visibly uncomfortable": 30-year-old now struggling after asking to leave Liverpool