Villarreal have turned down a bid from Wolves for Nicolas Jackson with the La Liga forward keen on a move to fellow Premier League survival-hopefuls Southampton, according to AS and The Athletic.
Last week, CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles refused to rule out the prospect of Villarreal cashing in on a key player or two during the January transfer window, admitting that the club’s precarious financial situation could force them to consider offers.
That should be all the encouragement the likes of Wolves or Southampton need to step up their interest in a 21-year-old forward who featured for Senegal at the Qatar World Cup the other side of Christmas.
Jackson, The Athletic say, is one of the leading targets for a Southampton side who, after bringing in wideman Mislav Orsic and midfielder Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz, are now prioritising a number nine. Jackson is reportedly ‘keen on the move’; talks between Southampton, Villarreal and the youngster’s representatives heading in the right direction.
Southampton and Wolves are targeting Nicolas Jackson of La Liga outfit Villarreal
Southampton’s hopes of signing Jackson on loan with an option-to-buy are likely to go up in smoke, however. Wolves had a loan-to-buy deal for the Gambia-born speed-machine rejected recently, according to AS.
Villarreal, the report adds, will only sell Jackson outright. He has a £27 million release clause in his contract, though lower bids are likely to be considered.
Jackson has two goals and two assists in eight La Liga starts this season. Southampton have made a habit of signing young, highly-versatile footballers over the years. And Jackson – like former Racing Club starlet Alcaraz – ticking both boxes rather emphatically. While a centre-forward by trade, Jackson has the pace and the movement to thrive in wider areas.
Unai Emery plans to keep Danny Ings at Aston Villa
Nathan Jones’ resurgent Saints are also targeting Antoine Semenyo of Bristol City and Lorient marksman Terem Moffi. Former fans’ favourite Danny Ings, now at Aston Villa, is another on the radar.
Villa boss Unai Emery, however, is hoping to keep Ings in claret-and-blue. Ambitious Nice – bankrolled by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe – are in pole position for the £30 million-rated Moffi.
“I spoke with some players about the opportunity to leave. But not with him. I didn’t speak to Danny about (leaving) The idea is to keep him in the squad,” Emery said following Ings’ equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Wolves.
“The club hasn’t told me anything (about any bids). Danny is a very good player in the first XI. Against Brighton (before the World Cup) he scored two goals. And, usually, he provides an impact. Today, we needed him and he helped the team like we needed.
“I’m really so happy with him, his commitment at the beginning and then his performance tonight.”
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