Manchester United 'hold talks' with Chelsea star over shock transfer as £100m stance clear

Manchester Unitedhave held reportedly held talks with Nicolas Jackson's representative Ali Barat over a potential move to Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim's side are looking to sign a No.9 this summer and Chelsea forward Jackson is said to be at the top of their shopping list, alongside Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

Jackson, 24, scored 13 times and grabbed six assists in 37 appearances for the Blues during the 2024/25 season. However, the Senegal international appeared to drop down the pecking order at the Club World Cup following his red card against Flamengo and the double summer arrival of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

In fact, after returning from suspension, Jackson played just 30 minutes in Chelsea's four knockout fixtures. He was an unused substitute in the final as the Blues thrashed Paris Saint-Germain 3-0. Delap was given the nod against ES Tunis and Benfica, before Pedro started against Palmeiras, Fluminense and PSG.

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Speculation has since increased around Jackson's future at Stamford Bridge, with United expressing an interest and opening talks with his agent, according to BBC Sport.

A lot has to happen for United to sign Jackson, such as offloading several players, but it's a deal that has the potential to go through in the right circumstances.

Chelsea have a long-term interest in Alejandro Garnacho, who is one of five United players that have informed the club of his desire to explore different opportunities this summer.

United could therefore delve in a potential player-plus-cash swap involving Garnacho and Jackson, though there is no guarantee that both parties would agree to that.

While Jackson's grip on the first-choice centre forward position has slipped and United are keen, football.london understands that Jackson, who Chelsea believe is a £100million player, is not for sale.

Sources, however, refuse to describe him as untouchable and a blockbuster bid from United could be considered. Every player has a price, as seen with Noni Madueke's £52m switch to Arsenal.

Jackson may be tempted to move on if his game time is not guaranteed. Delap and Pedro are expected to have a huge role under Enzo Maresca next season, as the Blues attempt to build on a terrific end to 2024/25.

Chelsea have won 14 of their last 16 matches in all competitions. They rounded off the Premier League season with five victories in six to finish in the top four and secure a place in the Champions League, before then winning the Conference League after beating Real Betis in the final in Wroclaw.

The Blues went into the Club World Cup full of confidence, and that showed, even if they lost to Flamengo in the group phase. Maresca's team knocked out Benfica, Palmeiras and Fluminense en route to the final, where they dispatched European champions PSG to be crowned the best team in the world.