Newcastle monitor Forwards future amid Aston Villa move for Jackson | OneFootball

Newcastle and Aston Villa in Striker Transfer Battle

Transfer windows often provide storylines filled with intrigue and speculation, and this summer is proving no different. According to TeamTalk, Aston Villa are standing firm that Ollie Watkins will remain at Villa Park, yet Newcastle United could make a move if circumstances change in the coming weeks.

Watkins, Jackson and Villa’s Summer Dilemma

Indeed, TEAMtalk sources state that Watkins and Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson could yet become entwined in a transfer drama as we head towards deadline day. Newcastle have been considering a proposal for Jackson, who has been expected to leave Chelsea for around £60million.

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But Villa are understood to have made “more progress” on the situation in recent times as they contemplate him as a new signing to help Unai Emery add edge to his attack. Watkins is central to the situation because he will be impacted by any arrival of Jackson at Villa Park. When Marcus Rashford arrived on loan at Villa Park last season, Watkins’ minutes dropped for a time, and he could be wary the same may happen if Jackson arrives.

Striker Market Intensifies Across Premier League

The Villa striker has not been pushing for a move this summer but there has been uncertainty around his future, with additional links to both Manchester United and Arsenal. Newcastle could move on from Jackson. Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that he is a player of interest to Newcastle, especially if they do not win the race to sign Jackson.

Insiders close to Villa insist that any arrival of Jackson would not mean Watkins is being pushed aside at the club. There are strong briefings that the player is not for sale. Yet should Jackson sign, Newcastle may reignite their own interest in Watkins as they search for solutions in what has been a frustrating window.

Newcastle’s Alternative Striker Targets

They have so far missed out on a few strikers, with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United beating the Magpies to Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, respectively. TEAMtalk sources state that Newcastle are again exploring a move for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Though his permanent move has only just been confirmed, the door is not entirely shut on the Magpies. That interest comes amid Brentford’s stance that Newcastle’s main striker target, Yoane Wissa, will not be sold without a replacement signing, or for under £60million. His attempts to force a move and show his anger have reached another level, though, as Wissa has removed all his photos from Brentford off of his Instagram, as well as unfollowed the club account.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Newcastle supporters will be both frustrated and anxious after hearing this report. Missing out on Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko already leaves a sense that the club have fallen behind rivals in the striker market. Seeing Villa make moves for Nicolas Jackson while Watkins’ future remains uncertain will only heighten the tension.

The idea of Watkins moving to Newcastle would excite Magpies fans who value his relentless running, clinical finishing and proven Premier League pedigree. However, Villa’s firm stance that Watkins is not for sale may lead to disappointment. For many, the hope is that if Jackson does arrive at Villa Park, Newcastle will quickly pounce and test Villa’s resolve.

Equally, the links to Jorgen Strand Larsen and Yoane Wissa show Newcastle are keeping options open. Wissa’s social media activity has certainly fuelled speculation, and fans will expect the club to capitalise on any sign of unrest. The overriding concern is that Newcastle cannot afford to enter the new season without a proven goalscorer to compete with the firepower of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.

The coming days promise drama, but if Newcastle fail to land a forward, many supporters will feel let down after promises of ambition and squad strengthening. Excitement, scepticism and concern now hang in the balance.