Bournemouth agree £20.3m fee for Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson

Bournemouth have reached a £20.3m deal for Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson, avoiding competition from Southampton.

The Saints had been in advanced talks to sign the Senegal international, but now it looks as if his south coast rivals will win out the signing.

Both clubs are currently in the relegation zone and are desperately looking to bolster their squads in the final week of the transfer window to get out of harm’s way.

Southampton initially wanted to sign Jackson, who has scored two goals in 14 LaLiga games this season, on loan with an option to buy.

They then turned their attention to bringing Jackson in permanently, but Bournemouth’s late offer has put them in prime position to sign the up-and-coming striker.

Jackson is not the only player on the Cherries’ January wish list, as they are also taking a new interest in Roma left-back Matias Vina as they grow frustrated in their wait to persuade Robin Gosens to join. one from Inter Milan.

The 25-year-old has seen his chances limited at Roma under José Mourinho this season, making just three Serie A appearances and 15 games in which he has come on as an unused substitute.

Their push for Vina comes after they fell through with an ambitious move for Inter Milan’s German international Robin Gosens.

If Bournemouth get a deal for Jackson, it would be their second major signing this month after they added striker Dango Outtara to their squad last week.

Lorient’s £20m signing made an instant impact by setting up Jaidon Anthony’s goal in Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.