Chelsea’s official transfer update sees Premier League rival enter race for Newcastle United target
Newcastle United shortlisted Nicolas Jackson as a possible option earlier this month.
Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race to sign forgotten Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca has added Joao Pedro and Liam Delap - two former Newcastle United targets - to his ranks this summer. As a consequence, Jackson has fallen down the pecking order and is available for transfer.
Chelsea paid £32million for the Senegal international two years ago and has been a mixed bag at Stamford Bridge. Jackson’s record is respectable - with 304 goals and assists in 54 Premier League starts - but critics have questioned his erratic style of play and prolificacy in the penalty area.
Newcastle United stance on Nicolas Jackson
Newcastle were linked with Jackson earlier in the window once the top-end targets filtered away. As mentioned, Pedro and Delap snubbed Toon moves, but Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko were also pursued.
The Daily Mail reported two weeks ago that Chelsea would do business for around £60million. However, it is understood Newcastle are unwilling to match those demands.
There is a growing feeling that Alexander Isak may be forced to stay on Tyneside following recent bombshell statements. Newcastle boldly told supporters “they do not foresee the conditions being met” for the Swede to leave the club this summer.
That still leaves Eddie Howe short up front following Callum Wilson’s sale. A bid was rejected for Yoane Wissa yesterday - with Newcastle still keen on signing a striker who can supplement Isak, should he return.
Aston Villa enter Nicolas Jackson race
Sky Sports claim Aston Villa have entered the race in the final days of the window. Unai Emery recently signed centre-forward Evann Guessand from Nice, with Ollie Watkins also on the books after losing Jhon Duran in January.
The report claims Villa have explored the conditions of the deal - and a loan option could be on the cards. Jackson played under Emery at Villarreal and is a livewire forward akin to Watkins.
Enzo Maresca grilled on Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea manager Maresca confirmed Jackson is up for grabs while speaking to reporters last week. It is likely that he will not feature again this weekend given the speculation on his future.
"He is training with us (the first-team squad), but he is not going to be involved,” he told reporters. “You know the situation already. The window transfer is open. He can leave, and we'll see."