Southampton are in talks to sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal in a deal that could scupper the transfer plans of Premier League rivals Everton and Aston Villa, according to 90Min.
Villarreal’s CEO admitted to Marca earlier in January that mid-season sales may be necessary at the Estadio de la Ceramica. But while the 2021 Europa League champions will listen to offers for Jackson and Arnaut Danjuma, the sale of one will likely see the other stay put, their fates intertwined.
Danjuma’s agent arrived in England over the weekend, according to The Athletic, as he looks to secure a return to UK football for the one-time Bournemouth winger.
According to El Periodico, Everton are hoping to sign Danjuma on loan with an option-to-buy. Note ‘option’, rather than ‘obligation’. Frank Lampard is having to make do with a diet of crumbs these days, paying the price after his predecessors gorged recklessly on lobster.
Former employers Bournemouth, meanwhile, are hoping that Danjuma has unfinished business at the Vitality Stadium. The Dutch international scored 17 goals for the Cherries before moving to Spain in 2021.
Aston Villa – now under the stewardship of Danjuma’s former La Liga boss Unai Emery – is another potential destination.
But with Southampton making progress in their pursuit of another versatile Villarreal attacker, Danjuma is a man locked in limbo.
Southampton hold talks with Villarreal for Nicolas Jackson
Southampton, 90Min say, are in talks to make the £20 million-rated Senegalese speedster Nicolas Jackson their third winter signing, after Mislav Orsic and Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz.
With Villarreal balancing domestic and European exploits, however, Quique Setien’s side are wary of allowing themselves to be left short in attack. Jackson and Danjuma are candidates to leave before the month is out, but it’s a case of ‘one or the other’. Not both.
Villarreal would also prefer a sale than a loan; suggesting that Everton’s ‘try first, pay later’ approach for Danjuma will fail. Wolves, AS add, saw a short-term deal rejected for Jackson earlier in the window.
Danjuma, once of Club Brugge, scored 16 times during his debut season at Villarreal, helping renowned cup specialist Emery reach the latter stages of yet another European competition.
“Absolutely exceptional,” Michael Owen told BT Sport, Danjuma tearing Manchester United apart in the Champions League group-stages.
“He’s very direct, he can beat players, he can score goals.”
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