Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as questions mount over his long-term role at the Club World Cup champions.
Jackson, who joined the Blues from Villarreal in 2023 for £32 million, has registered 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 games across all competitions.
However, concerns remain about his output in the Premier League, where he managed only 10 goals last season.
With Chelsea recently bolstering their attacking options by bringing in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge has come under scrutiny.
His lack of consistency and discipline, highlighted by two red cards in recent high-stakes matches, has further complicated his standing at the club.
Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, via talkSPORT, reports that Manchester United are monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation.
Despite their interest, United’s immediate priority is said to be outgoing transfers, along with negotiations for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, following a reported £55 million bid.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also believed to be a long-term admirer of Jackson, having coached him during his spell at Villarreal.
Jackson made 27 appearances under Emery and could potentially reunite with the Spanish tactician.
Jackson showed early promise last season, notching nine goals and three assists before Christmas.
However, his campaign was marred by a red card in Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle, sidelining him for the final two league fixtures.
He did redeem himself with a goal in Chelsea’s 4-1 UEFA Conference League final triumph over Real Betis, only to receive another red card days later in a Club World Cup match against Flamengo, just minutes after coming on.
Chelsea went on to clinch the Club World Cup title with a dominant 3-0 win over PSG, but Jackson was left out of the final squad.
New signing Pedro scored in the final, assisted by Cole Palmer, while Delap featured from the bench and Marc Guiu was an unused substitute, all signs that competition for places is heating up.
As the transfer window unfolds, Jackson’s future at Chelsea may hinge on whether he can reassert himself or becomes the subject of serious interest from Premier League rivals.
