Newcastle United and Everton consider activating La Liga star’s £27m release clause

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a move for Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson.

The 21-year-old joined the La Liga club from Senegalese club Casa Sports in 2019 and earned his first senior experience during a loan spell with CD Miranda’s during the 2020/21 season.

He began to make inroads into Villarreal’s senior setup last season and he made his La Liga debut as a substitute in a 2-0 home win against Real Betis in October last year.

A further seven appearances followed before the end of the campaign - but Jackson has firmly established himself in the Villarreal side during the opening months of this season.

A first senior goal came in a 3-0 win at Real Valladolid on the opening day and he has gone on to appear in all 10 of Villarreal fixtures in all competitions so far.

His form earned a maiden call-up to the Senegal side and he remained an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Bolivia.

A first cap arrived as Jackson made an appearance as a late substitute in Tuesday’s friendly meeting with England’s World Cup Finals group stage opponents Iran.

Jackson will hope to have convinced Senegal manager Aliou Cisse he is worthy of a place in his own World Cup squad and recently spoke of his ambition of appearing in Qatar.

He told Spanish outlet Marca: “It’s early but I have the dream of being able to be in the World Cup. I want to be in this one and there are always options. I

“f I start playing well and do what I have to do, I know I can get there. I know. There is my friend Boulaye and it would be nice if we were both.”

Everton have also been linked with a move for the forward over the summer but Football Insider have reported Newcastle are also showing an interest in Jackson, who is believed to have a £27million release clause in his contract.

However, The Magpies and their Premier League rivals will face a fight to persuade Villarreal to part company with an up and coming talent.

Speaking recently, former Magpies managerial target and current Villarreal boss Unai Emery said: “We have a growing player upstairs and that has a toll.

“Jackson gives us a lot, but he must have the peace of mind to define. His contribution is very high. He has found races and very good passes.

“You have to gain experience to run in the area. They are goals on the road. We need to be sure about certain young players we want to bet on.”