Unai Emery instructs Aston Villa to sign ‘next Sadio Mane’ wanted by Everton and Newcastle

New Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has reportedly ‘instructed’ to make a move for Everton and Newcastle United target Nicolas Jackson. The attacking midfielder, who played under Emery last season, has impressed in La Liga for Villarreal.

The 21-year-old, who has made five direct goal contributions in 17 appearances across all competitions in 2022/23, has become a key man for the Yellow Submarine. Two days ago, the Daily Mail reported Villa were monitoring Jackson’s situation, and now speculation is intensifying.

Versatile and still yet to fulfill his full potential, Jackson can play anywhere across the front three. This campaign has seen the Senegalese play predominantly as a right winger, but he can also play on the left flank or as a centre forward.

Speaking about the forward earlier this season, Emery told Spanish outlet AS: “He is a player who is in the process of growing. There are times when some players have to go elsewhere to grow, but we are betting on him because his contribution is very high. He must get experience in front of goal and this is a learning process. We need to establish young players and we want to bet on them.”

Emery is now said to be pushing for a reunion with the young forward at Villa Park. With his current contract expiring next June, Jackson could even become a Villan on a free transfer. Otherwise, a move at a cut price could theoretically be made in January.