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Aston Villa is keeping an eye on Villarreal winger Nicolas Jackson’s plight, while Unai Emery wants to reunite with the 21-year-old star… but Everton and Newcastle are also interested in the Senegal forward
- Unai Emery knows Nicolas Jackson well because he worked together at Villarreal
- The 21-year-old has quickly become one of the best prospects in LaLiga
- Villa wants to ward off interest from other Premier League clubs for attacker
- Jackson has already scored two goals and two assists in LaLiga this season
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Aston Villa is among the clubs following the developments with Villarreal’s exciting winger Nicolas Jackson.
Villa’s new coach Unai Emery knows the 21-year-old very well having worked closely with him and recognizes the potential he has.
Everton and Newcastle have also been monitoring his progress in recent months, after he broke into the Villarreal first-team, but he was seen as raw and a work in progress.
Nicolas Jackson celebrates after his second goal of the season against Almeria
Newly appointed Villa boss Unai Emery considers bringing Jackson to the Premier League
However, the Senegalese will be out of contract next summer and that will open the door for a number of other candidates, including Barcelona.
Jackson wasn’t officially promoted to the first-team roster until August, but his pace and attacking running style have thrilled supporters and made him a standout performer.
Villa will back new boss Emery in January as he strives to get the first team back on track, but Jackson, who can then sign a pre-contract, would represent good economic recruiting either way.
He also scored one goal in the Europa Conference League against Austria Wien
The Midland side hopes Emery and all his new recruits can help kick-start their season after struggling domestically.
Villa – who was led by Steven Gerrard for most of the season – is 16th in the league despite significant summer spending.
Emery will not officially take charge until Tuesday, while he awaits the approval of his work permit to work in the UK.
The Midland side suffered a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle in their last Premier League outing