Manchester United will reportedly prioritise signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins instead of versatile Chelsea attacker Nicolas Jackson in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by the Daily Mirror, Nicolas Jackson is no longer a target for Manchester United. The Red Devils are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a striker in the summer transfer window. So, the versatile 24-year-old Chelsea attacker has been the subject of interest from the Premier League club.

However, Chelsea’s asking price of £80-100 million to sell Jackson has played spoilsport, forcing the struggling Premier League giants to cool their interest in the former Villarreal attacker. Manchester United will now prioritise signing 29-year-old Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer transfer window.

Nicolas Jackson and his Chelsea career

Nicolas Jackson has come leaps and bounds since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in July 2023. The 24-year-old has blown hot and cold in the last two years, and his wastefulness in front of the goal has frustrated many. However, the player’s work rate and ability to create chances for his teammates have made him an endearing asset.

The Senegalese international has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for Chelsea while chipping in with 30 goals and 12 assists. However, Jackson’s long-term future is uncertain after they signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro earlier this summer. So, an exit may be on the cards, with Manchester United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

Will Manchester United sign Jackson?

Manchester United’s interest in Nicolas Jackson has been understandable. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a striker after reinforcing their offensive unit by signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer. So, the Chelsea attacker has emerged as a viable target for Manchester United.

However, the struggling Premier League giants have been adamant that they will only sign Jackson for the right price. That stance remains unchanged, with Chelsea’s insistence to recoup £80-100 million from the 24-year-old Senegalese international’s sale forcing Manchester United to prioritise signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Recent reports suggested Manchester United prioritised signing Jackson instead of Watkins. However, with the £80-100 million-rated Chelsea attacker no longer an option for the Red Devils, it will be interesting to see if the 29-year-old Aston Villa striker arrives at Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.