Villa agree Watkins sale, Jackson lined up as replacement

Aston Villa agree deal worth up to £65m to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, matching Blues' valuation; Jackson had spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich;

It is understood to be worth up to £65m, meeting Chelsea's valuation of the striker. The Blues' plan all summer has been to sell Jackson and Liam Delap.

Atletico Madrid also want Jackson, but may not be able to offer as much as Villa. Jackson worked with Villa manager Unai Emery when they were both at Villarreal.

Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga champions had an obligation to buy the forward included in the deal worth £56.25m, but Jackson did not reach the number of appearances required to exercise the option.

He may be a replacement for Ollie Watkins , with Villa in talks to sell the striker to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

England international Watkins is keen on the move, and at least one bid has already been rejected by Villa.

They do not want to sell Watkins but Al Hilal are pushing and talks continue.

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