George Overhill

Sun 18 June 2023 15:15, UK

Nicolas Jackson is closing on a move to Chelsea despite being tracked by both Everton and Aston Villa, The Guardian reports.

Mail Plus had reported ahead of the winter window (16 December) that the Toffees had expressed their interest in the Senegal forward and were said to be plotting a move when the window opened [TEAMtalk, 3 January], but while Bournemouth ultimately came out on top at the time his move to the Vitality fell through.

Now, amid ongoing interest from Goodison Park and Villa Park it is the struggling West London giants who have stolen ahead, agreeing personal terms with the 21-year-old, although there is no agreement between the clubs as yet.

Jacob Steinberg writes in The Guardian: “Jackson, a 21-year-old striker, has agreed personal terms and Chelsea are considering whether to trigger his £30m release clause.

“The Senegal international failed a medical at Bournemouth in January and has been tracked by Aston Villa and Everton, but Chelsea’s interest has intensified following recent discussions with the player’s camp.

“Securing a deal for Jackson would be straightforward if Chelsea pay his release clause, although they could still look to negotiate a lower fee with Villarreal.”

Ship sailed

It is not secret to anybody that Everton need to sign a striker during this transfer window, but the same was widely said for the January version.

While there were endless links, Jackson among them, and even big money on offer from Goodison to get the job done, with a bid of £31million failing for Udinese’s Beto [Gianluca Di Marzio via Sky Sports News, 31 January], nobody arrived

While Sean Dyche did succeed in keeping Everton up, just, it is uncertain whether that sort of cash is available this summer in light of the board situation and the alleged profit and sustainability breach from the Premier League.

The Villarreal striker scored 12 La Liga goals in the just-completed season and is one of a few that would be attractive options for the Toffees.

But despite long-standing interest it looks like he is another striker who Everton have wanted who will end up elsewhere.

The Chelsea deal is not yet done, but it appears to be there for them to do if they want it, while movement at Goodison Park may well be tied up in delays around the outgoing board and the incoming investors MSP Sports Capital.

There will need to be plenty of work in the transfer market to fix a squad that has proven to be lacking for two seasons in a row, but targets will become harder to land the longer it goes without offers being made.