Man Utd 'hold talks' with Jackson's representatives in shock transfer twist

Manchester United are keen to add a centre-forward to their new-look front line, which will contain Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and have considered a move for Nicolas Jackson

Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Nicolas Jackson’s agent to explore the possibility of a transfer for the Chelsea striker. United are trying to overhaul their squad in the summer transfer window and want to sign a striker for Ruben Amorim.

United have already signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5million from Wolves and are close to announcing the £70m capture of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Mbeumo underwent his medical on Sunday and should be signed in time to join United on their pre-season tour of the United States – but the club aren’t done yet in the transfer window.

They have tried to hijack Viktor Gyokeres’ move from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal with a last-gasp bid. United have tabled an offer worth between €70-80million (£60-69m), according to reports in Portugal.

Amorim wants a centre-forward to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund, who managed just 10 goals in 52 games across all competitions last season. And United are scouring the market for opportunities, with BBC Sport reporting that a meeting has taken place with Jackson’s agent Ali Barat.

Jackson suddenly finds himself in a difficult position at Chelsea, who have signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer. Both made positive impressions during the Blues’ successful Club World Cup campaign and Jackson is considering his options.

Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea are not particularly keen to sell the Senegal international. They have slapped a £100m price tag on the 24-year-old, who was Enzo Maresca’s primary centre-forward as they finished fourth and won the Conference League in 2024/25.

In true Chelsea fashion, Jackson is under contract until June 2033, having signed for £32m from Villarreal in 2023. He has 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 matches for the club, but has often been viewed as inconsistent in front of goal, despite having a good connection with playmaker Cole Palmer.

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AC Milan and Aston Villa have also been linked with Jackson and Football London reports that he would be sold if the right offer came along. That is partly because they have spent £85m in total on Delap and Pedro and partly because of their impact in the US. There is also the problem of Jackson’s recent disciplinary record: he has been sent off twice in his last five games.

United’s interest in Jackson is interesting because Chelsea have been linked with a move for Alejandro Garnacho this summer. Garnacho is part of the so-called ‘bomb squad’ at United, which also included Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

Amorim has isolated the five players as they seek moves elsewhere and Garnacho is the most valuable of the group. While Rashford is leaving for Barcelona on loan and Sancho is heading for Juventus, rumours surrounding Garnacho have grown quiet.

The Argentina winger was originally linked with Napoli, but they were put off by United’s £70m asking price. However, Chelsea have just sold Noni Madueke for £52m to Arsenal and are in the market for a winger, having opted not to sign Sancho following his loan spell.