Aston Villa ‘to launch transfer move for Nicolas Jackson if Ollie Watkins leaves as Chelsea slap £65m tag on striker’

ASTON VILLA will try to replace Ollie Watkins with Nicolas Jackson late on in the transfer window if their star striker leaves, according to reports. Watkins, 30, is set on a move to Saudi Arabia and Al-Hilal – who have had a bid of nearly £40million rejected. Aston Villa will look at signing Nicolas Jackson if they well Ollie Watkins this summer Credit: Reuters The England forward is keen to leave to join Al-Hilal Credit: PA And Jackson, who played under boss Unai Emery at Villarreal before Chelsea snapped him up for £30million, is open to a reunion with his former manager. Now, Sky Sports have claimed that Villa will turn immediately to Jackson if they lose their starting No9. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Dream Team is back, free, and there’s £100,000 up for grabs! Jackson has been mooted as a possible target for Emery and Villa all window. The Senegal forward, 25, has a £65million price tag this summer as Chelsea plan to reshuffle their frontline. Liam Delap is also up for sale with Marc Guiu set to depart as well. Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha have already joined behind Joao Pedro. Jackson spent last season out on loan at Bayern Munich but did not trigger the terms of his obligation- t-o buy clause. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK He returned to be looked at by Xabi Alonso and impressed on tour but Chelsea are ready to cash in. Villa are not willing to give up on Watkins despite his desire to leave. Most read in Sport The two clubs have completed business with Alejandro Garnacho going on loan to the Midlands and Morgan Rogers heading to London for a record £117million. In recent years Axel Disasi has made the same switch as Garnacho with Ian Maatsen sold by Chelsea to Villa in 2023 as well. Speaking ahead of the Prem opening weekend, Emery said on Watkins: “We have an issue with him, it is clear. Watkins is pushing for a move to Saudi Arabia Chelsea have set a huge £65million asking price on Jackson “We had offers for him but he is our player. I don’t want to sell him but it can change if it is a good option for him, the club and I can replace him in the squad. “He is here and is a fantastic striker. We have always believed and supported him, he did it. “There is 10 days to finish the transfer window, we will see. He is our player and I am happy with him.” He added: “The players are professional and Watkins is our player.” Comment now