Aston Villa are hoping to negotiate Chelsea down from their £65million asking price for Nicolas Jackson, reports Football Insider.
The Villans are hoping to do more transfer business before the summer transfer window closes. After losing Ezri Konsa, they're in talks to sign a centre-back or two, and with Ollie Watkins looking likely to exit, a striker is in sight.
It's been reported all summer that Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson is the favourite option at Villa Park, though a £65million asking price has caused problems for a club already pushing up against financial regulations.
It's reported Villa are hoping to negotiate the Blues down from their current asking price.
Indeed, they're currently incapable of paying what the London club want, and are reportedly staying patient as they feel there could be a reduction in the asking price before September 1.
That Jackson was loaned out to Bayern Munich last season suggests Chelsea don't want him, but they have obviously not been able to sell so far this summer.
It's said an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy is a possibility, with Villa having held talks with the Blues.
Ollie Watkins nearing Aston Villa exit
But the sale of incumbent striker Watkins would raise good money for Villa, who are already believed to have turned down four offers from Al-Hilal for their striker.
He wasn't in the squad to face Brighton at the weekend, with Unai Emery suggesting a lack of commitment from the Englishman.
Emery said: “This question is for him. Can you call him and make a question to him?”
“Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”
“The players that are here, they show it, their commitment, and it’s really fantastic. And this is the way.
“We had it in different moments. In four years we had it maybe five times in different circumstances. But we are going forward, moving always forward.”
It's been reported for some time that Watkins is open to a switch to Al-Hilal, and it's now believed there is confidence at the club in getting Villa to agree to his exit.
What value that move would be of remains to be seen, but it would surely be at least a good chunk of what Chelsea want for Jackson.
