Everton are reportedly interested in Villarreal prospect Nicolas Jackson as Frank Lampard ramps up efforts to bring in an attacker.
According to Football Insider, Everton are stepping up their efforts to sign attacking talents before the summer transfer window shuts down, and a new player has popped up on their shortlist. Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a potential target, with a £27 million release clause in his contract.
Everton have shown promising signs at the start of their campaign, despite losing both games so far. The latest defeat came at the hands of Aston Villa, even though the Toffees put in a fighting display and came close to scoring an equaliser.
The big factor in their defeats was the absence of a striker, as Everton are without Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a few months following his latest injury setback. Frank Lampard is in the market for a new frontman, but the Merseyside club face difficulties in bringing in the right player.
Stade Rennais striker Serhou Guirassy is keen to join the Toffees, and Everton remain keen on a loan move. The Ligue 1 outfit may seek a permanent transfer and cash in on the forward, thus prompting them to seek an alternative.
There were also whispers about Everton making an eleventh-hour move for Neal Maupay, who now seems destined to join Nottingham Forest from Brighton & Hove Albion. A new name has emerged on the Toffees’ shortlist, with Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson linked with a move.
Jackson has not been a regular at Villarreal till now but put in a Man of the Match performance during their La Liga opener on Saturday. He also scored the club’s first goal against Real Valladolid, and his display has accelerated interest from suitors.
Villarreal need to sell players and have earmarked young stars like Yeremy Pino to bring in money. Arsenal have a bid on the table for the Spanish winger, as Villarreal may be forced to consider a sale. They might now be pondering accepting a possible offer from Everton for Jackson, who has a £27 million release clause.
The Toffees may not be in a position to pay up that price, as they might consider taking him in a cut-price move. The Spanish outfit are unlikely to accept anything lesser than the £27 million release clause, and they might be patient with the player and maybe look to develop him further.
Everton desperately need attacking reinforcements and cannot possibly depend on Salomon Rondon, who remains their only recognised central striker. Whether they are serious about Jackson remains to be seen, as the Villarreal star has shown signs of a promising future.
