Aston Villa to smash transfer record as they close in on Nicolas Jackson signing

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Nicolas Jackson in a £65million deal, talkSPORT understands.

The deal would allow Ollie Watkins to complete his move to Al Hilal.

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Jackson, is set to become Villa‘s record arrival with their current record signing being Johan Manzambi, who joined from Freiburg earlier this summer for just north of £50m.

This will be welcome news for Villa, who suffered a major setback with Crystal Palace hijacking their move to sign Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Villa’s failed pursuit of the Ecuador international comes after they had two offers rejected by Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

But talkSPORT understands Villa are back in talks with Saints for the player with the Championship club open to a sale if Villa are prepared to do a deal worth £25-£30m.

Harwood-Bellis is believed to want to join Villa, who will play Champions League football this season.

Villa are also considering a move for Jean-Clair Todibo, who is currently on strike as he desperately seeks a move away from West Ham.

Who has left Aston Villa this summer?

Villa have been pilloried this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne all sold.

And the high-profile exits may not be done there, with Al Hilal still confident they can land Watkins before the window shuts.

Meanwhile, Emi Martinez is keen on a move to Chelsea following the arrival of Zion Suzuki from Parma.

The Saudi outfit have had numerous offers for Watkins rejected but personal terms are already in place if the two clubs can agree a fee.

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Watkins was a notable absentee from Villa’s squad that was thrashed 4-0 by Brighton on Sunday.

What has Unai Emery said about Ollie Watkins’ future?

Curiously, Villa boss Unai Emery refused to confirm whether Watkins requested to be left out of the team amid Al-Hilal’s ongoing pursuit.

“This question is for him,” Emery said.

“I can answer only with my silence.”

Emery added: “I think you call his agent and he can respond. He can only explain his answer, I can’t.”

Watkins, who did not train with Villa in the lead-up to the Brighton defeat, later apologised to his teammates on Monday.