Aston Villa manager Unai Emery would be better off focusing his attention on improving the fortunes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings rather than reuniting with Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Emery has stepped into the Villa Park dugout following the sacking of Steven Gerrard but he has his work cut out to turn the fortunes of the club around.
What is the latest from Villa?
Owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens began the hunt for a new manager after choosing to part ways with Gerrard following a tough start to the season.
Aaron Danks was handed first-team duties on a temporary basis but it will now be left to Emery to transform the performances of the club.
According to MailOnline, one way the Spaniard plans to do that is by signing his former Villarreal star, Jackson, to bolster his front line.
The report adds that, with the 21-year-old’s contract set to expire in the summer, Villa could be able to bag a bargain.
However, Everton and Newcastle United will rival their Premier League rivals for the signature of Jackson, with a transfer tussle potentially in the offing.
What has Jones said on Emery’s plans?
Jones believes the former Arsenal man would be best off focusing his attention on the current attackers at his disposal.
He adds that Jackson has not had the best season himself and would likely arrive in the West Midlands low on confidence.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s better off probably trying to fix the mentality of the players he’s already got at the club who understand the Premier League and get Ings and Watkins firing again, rather than bringing in somebody else, who doesn’t have loads of confidence as it is right now, and trying to get them to adapt to a new country and a new league.”
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Would Jackson be a good signing?
This season has seen the striker score just two goals in 12 La Liga appearances, boasting a career tally of three strikes in 28 appearances.
It is easy to see why Jones feels the move is, ultimately, pointless when the likes of Ings and Watkins – who earn a combined £144,000 per week – are at Emery’s disposal.
The World Cup may offer an opportunity for potential suitors to get a better idea of his talents.
While he is yet to make his debut for Senegal, Jackson – who has previously been dubbed ‘the next Sadio Mane’ – was called up to their latest squad at the end of September.
It may have been an underwhelming campaign so far, but a strong tournament in Qatar could change all of that.
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