Aston Villa ‘call’ Man Utd for Plan B signing if record-breaking transfer falls through – Fabrizio Romano

Aston Villa have enquired into the potential signing of Manchester United striker, Joshua Zirkzee, though a deal will only be fully explored if Unai Emery is denied a record-breaking move for his first choice frontman.

After six superb seasons at Villa Park, Ollie Watkins is now on course to depart. Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are in negotiations with Aston Villa, and they’re ready to thunder back in with a new and improved second bid after their first offer worth £38m was rejected.

Villa are holding out for £55m, though sources tell TEAMtalk that a bid of £50m would get Villa’s green light. Watkins is keen on the money-spinning move to the middle east.

Accordingly, Villa are actively exploring the market for a direct replacement and a new starter in their eleven.

Their top target is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who the Blues will sell if receiving an offer worth £65m. Per reporter Ben Jacobs, Villa are the ‘frontrunners’ to seal this deal.

Emery is desperate to reunite with the 25-year-old who he managed at Villarreal. It’s permanent deal or bust for Villa, given they cannot loan a second player from Chelsea having already taken Alejandro Garnacho via that method.

If Villa were to land Jackson at £65m, he’d surpass Johan Manzambi (£59.5m) as the club’s all-time most expensive signing.

If Jackson eludes Aston Villa, an alternative being looked at is Man Utd’s Zirkzee.

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Aston Villa call for Joshua Zirkzee but prioritise Nicolas Jackson

Taking to YouTube to explain the situation with all three players involved in this story, transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, said: “Italian clubs calling [for Zirkzee], and I’m told there was a call – just a call, at the moment, no bid or negotiation – also from Aston Villa.

“Why Aston Villa? Because Al-Hilal are expected to return to the table for Ollie Watkins. Watkins is the top target for Al-Hilal.

“I told you about an official bid a few days ago. Al-Hilal are returning for Ollie Watkins. So the negotiation for Watkins is still ongoing.

“Aston Villa are trying their best to keep the player, to sign a new contract, to keep him at the club. Unai Emery loves him.

“But now the situation is getting complicated for Villa because Al-Hilal are not giving up, because Al-Hilal consider Ollie Watkins as a top priority.

“And so for Aston Villa, the number one target in the striker position is Nicolas Jackson.

“Aston Villa are going for Jackson. That’s something I’ve been telling you for a long time and I maintain that information. They want Jackson.

“They are trying to understand if financially they can pay what Chelsea want. So Villa are going for Jackson.

“But Joshua Zirkzee is one of the names they considered internally and there was a call to understand the conditions of the deal and possibilities.

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“So at the moment, let’s call it just a contact, not an official negotiation.

“But in case Zirkzee leaves Manchester United before the end of the window, let’s see if it’s going to be Italy, England or whatever. In that case, we have to keep a close eye on a new striker for Manchester United.”