Aston Villa are in talks to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, according to reports.
Villa are keen to bolster Unai Emery’s attacking options before the transfer deadline after Marcus Rashford rejected the chance to join the club permanently.
Emery was hopeful of convincing Rashford to sign a permanent deal with the club following his recent loan spell but the Manchester United outcast instead joined Barcelona on another loan.
Marco Asensio, who also enjoyed an encouraging loan spell at Villa Park last season, has returned to PSG, while there is speculation Ollie Watkins could be sold before the transfer window closes.
Keen to bring a forward or two to the club, Aston Villa have added Jackson to their shortlist of targets and have already held talks with Chelsea over a deal, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
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Villa are now considering making an official bid for a player Chelsea are open to selling following the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Jackson enjoyed an encouraging first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 17 goals in all competitions following his £32m move from Villarreal.
However, the 24-year-old went backwards last season and ended the campaign with two reds cards in six games.
Speaking during pre-season, Jackson dismissed concerns over his future following the arrival of attacking talent Pedro and Delap.
But recent reports say Jackson is now pushing to leave Stamford Bridge, aware his first-team prospects will be bleak unless he finds a new club.
Jackson was left out of Enzo Maresca’s matchday squad for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Despite this, Chelsea are not believed to be desperate to sell Jackson and believe he can contribute this season if he does end up staying put.
However, Chelsea are open to offers as they know player sales will boost their chances of landing transfer targets Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.
The Club World Cup champions were believed to value Jackson at a staggering £80m earlier in the summer but have already dropped their asking price to around £65m.
Newcastle United have expressed interest in signing Jackson as they plan for Alexander Isak’s potential departure from St James’ Park.
Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle as he attempts to force through a big-money move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Bayern Munich have also been linked with Jackson but Sky Germany say the Senegal international will not be heading to the Allianz Arena.
Jackson was even said to be a target for Manchester United earlier in the window but the Red Devils have since signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Aston Villa, who sold Jhon Duran to Al Nassr in January, began their Premier League campaign with a goalless draw to Newcastle.
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