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‘Aston Villa line up Nicolas Jackson as potential Rashford replacement’
Mick Brown
4 minutes
‘Aston Villa line up Chelsea star as Marcus Rashford replacement’
Mick Brown
Wed 19 February 2025 6:45, UK
Nicolas Jackson is on the list of targets at Aston Villa ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the club’s former scout.
Mick Brown, who worked as a senior scout at Villa Park and as the chief scout at Man United – and remains very well-connected at his former clubs – exclusively told Football Insider that Unai Emery’s side will be in the market for another new striker in the off-season if Marcus Rashford‘s loan move isn’t made permanent.
Brown explained he has reservations about Chelsea star Jackson’s consistency but expects Villa to take a closer look at the 23-year-old if he becomes available this summer.
The Chelsea star has hit nine goals and contributed five assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea FC at Vitality Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Bour…
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Chelsea striker Jackson ‘on the list’ at Aston Villa, says ex-scout
But the Senegal international’s last strike for the Blues came in mid-December and he is now out of action with a hamstring injury – and missed the loss against Brighton on Saturday (15 February).
Jackson is under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2033 after penning the mammoth extension earlier this season.
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Brown claimed he could become an option should Villa lose Rashford when his loan spell ends at the end of this season.
“He’s typical of this Chelsea team at the moment,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s got enough in his locker to make you believe he’s the answer to your questions.
“But then he’ll have an average game where he struggles in front of goal – he’s just too inconsistent.
“I’ve never been convinced by him to be honest, I wouldn’t feel confident placing all my eggs in his basket to lead the line.
“But from an Aston Villa point of view, I could see them having a look at him.
“They’ve got Rashford at the moment, and if he performs to the best of his ability, it could be hard for them to keep hold of him long-term.
Aston Villa
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
“Come the end of the season, let’s say they lose Rashford. Then, they’ve just lost Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia, so that’s another option gone. Ollie Watkins is attracting interest from Arsenal as well.
“So if they’re left with limited options up front, they’re going to have to go into the market to find a new striker who can play regular games for them.
“If Jackson is available, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see them make a move for him.
“So there are a lot of moving pieces, but it’s very possible Villa are going to be looking for a new striker, and Jackson is one of the names on their list.”
‘Aston Villa set for fight to keep Rashford’
As Villa monitor Jackson, Football Insider has been told by ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson that the Midlands club are set to be in a fight with rivals to sign Man United forward Rashford permanently.
The 27-year-old joined on loan in January with a £40million option to buy – but did have other options available to him.
Rashford has made just two appearances for Emery’s side but it has already been suggested that he could bank Unai Emery’s side “£100million” in the coming years.
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