Aston Villa have reportedly suffered a sudden blow in the race for a January transfer target as AFC Bournemouth are said to be closing in on a deal for Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson.
Heavily linked with a move to Villa Park this window, it had been widely reported that Unai Emery wanted to reunite with his former colleague.
The 21-year-old, who enjoyed one season under Emery, has netted two goals and contributed two assists in 12 La Liga appearances this term.
It seems the Villans will have to look elsewhere, however, as Fabrizio Romano reports that Jackson, who was also of interest to Southampton, has “accepted the conditions of the contract” ahead of a transfer.
Romano said: “Bournemouth are confident to get Nico Jackson deal done this week, talks are very advanced.
One positive for Villa in this situation is that the Jackson links had cooled somewhat over the last couple of weeks, with attention instead turned to Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.
His arrival would be very welcomed at Villa Park after experienced forward Danny Ings left the club for West Ham United last week, in a deal worth around £15 million.
In other West Midlands transfer news, Wolverhampton Wanderers are still in a ‘tug of war’ situation with Lyon as a deal for wonderkid target Joao Gomes remains at a standstill.
