Aston Villa step up interest in £65m striker target

Villa have stepped up their interest in Nicolas Jackson with the Chelsea star their No.1 striker target.

Talks between the clubs are ongoing over a deal which would meet the London club’s valuation of around £65million.

Unai Emery is a long-time admirer of Jackson, whom he previously managed at Villarreal.

The 25-year-old Senegal international, who joined Chelsea in 2023, is thought to be keen on the move.

Villa have also seen a bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta rejected by Crystal Palace and hold an interest in AC Milan’s Rafa Leao, yet it is Jackson who is their preferred option.

His arrival could open the door for Ollie Watkins to move to Al-Hilal. The England international returned to training at Bodymoor Heath on Monday after missing Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton.

Watkins is eager to join Al-Hilal after being offered a £400,000-a-week deal but the Saudi Pro League club are yet to match Villa’s valuation.

Progress is also being made on recruiting a centre-back to replace Ezri Konsa, with Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez now the most likely target ahead of Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Discussions have taken place around a loan deal for the Ecuador international which would include an obligation to buy worth around £25m.

Villa have seen two bids for Harwood-Bellis rejected by the Saints and the clubs are thought to be some way apart on valuation.

In the meantime, former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka is close to becoming Villa’s seventh signing of the transfer window.

The 31-year-old Germany international will join on a free transfer.