Aston Villa suffer sudden blow in transfer saga, Wolves in ‘tug of war’ as another deal stalls

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.

Capable of playing as a centre forward or on either flank, Jackson would have added some welcomed versatility to the Lions’ front line. 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. He was also in the Senegal squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year.

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. Deal considered close to being completed.”

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. The Daily Mail reports that “Villa have made an approach” as there is a belief Dembele can be “available for as little as £3 million” this month.

The 26-year-old would of course be up for grabs on a free transfer in the summer but at that point, there would likely be more competition and Villa ideally need someone now. Dembele has struggled somewhat to rediscover his form of old this season as he has only played 35% of the minutes available to him in Ligue 1, scoring just twice.

The Frenchman enjoyed things far more last campaign, however, as he netted 21 goals and contributed four assists in 30 league appearances for Lyon. 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.

Meanwhile, Wolves stuck in ‘tug of war’ as another deal stalls

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. It was reported last week that a move for Gomes, who has been of interest to Liverpool in the past, had been jeopardised at the last moment.

Vene Casagrande, a reputable Brazilian journalist, wrote on January 17: “Flamengo has not yet signed the sale of João Gomes to Wolverhampton, England, because an offer from Lyon for the midfielder has arisen. French team proposed something “a little better” to Fla and delayed the process with the English team.”

Now, a week later, the situation still has not been resolved. As per Vene Casagrande, the player himself “dreams of playing in England and wants to keep his word with Wolverhampton”, but Gomes’ current club, Flamengo, “wants Lyon” due to its relationship with Gomes’ agent. Although a decision is expected to be made soon, Wolves are still enduring a frustrating dead heat. More on Gomes, here.

Elsewhere for Wolves, young attacker Fabio Silva, who has been on loan at Anderlecht this season, is close to joining PSV Eindhoven for the rest of 2022/23. As reported by Express and Star, however, this particular move has ‘stalled’ as Anderlecht and Wolves are “yet to agree on the terms and compensation”. It is hoped a deal can be completed soon.