Tottenham are ready to rival Newcastle United for the signing of Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, according to reports.
But Chelsea icon Frank Lebouef has warned the Magpies against signing the £80million-rated striker as they weigh-up potential replacements for Alexander Isak.
It’s been a nightmare summer for Newcastle who have missed out on numerous transfer targets and now face the prospect of losing talisman Isak who wants to join Liverpool.
The Reds’ opening offer of £110m was rejected but the Swede has been ordered to train away from the first-team while Eddie Howe looks for suitable striker who could fill his boots.
The Tyneside club had hoped to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, but the Slovenian has opted to join Manchester United instead in a deal worth up to £74m.
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Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge appears bleak after the club signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro over the summer, with the new centre-forwards impressing during the Club World Cup triumph.
The Senegal international has 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances since joining the Blues from Villarreal but has come under much criticism for a lack of clinicalness, while two red cards in his last five games have not helped his cause.
Several clubs across Europe are interested in the 24-year-old including Newcastle, AC Milan, Juventus and Bayern Munich, with Tottenham now joining the mix.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs have made enquiries to Chelsea but will only make a move if struggling forward Richarlison is sold.
The Blues value Jackson at around £80m – more than double what they paid for him two years ago – but Lebouef does not believe any ‘serious club’ would actually consider going for the transfer.
‘I wish for any players to rebound from a bad season, maybe two bad seasons,’ the World Cup winning defender told ESPN.
‘And I really wish to Nicolas Jackson finds a club and shows us that we shouldn’t be sceptical because that guy is a tremendous striker. But as far as we have known and seen his performances, I’m sorry, I have doubts.
‘And if I hear that a club would be ready to pay £80million to get Nicolas Jackson, I’m sorry, I have doubts about the seriousness of that club.
‘I don’t think he’s going to fill the hopes that the Geordies have for this season in the Champions League. And I have big doubts about his potential to make people forget Isak if Isak has to go. I was expecting somebody else.’
Also on Newcastle’s striker shortlist are Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda.
All involved will want to get their transfer business done as quickly as possible, with the new Premier League season kicking-off next weekend, with the Magpies travelling to Villa on August 16 for their opening game.
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