Aston Villa and Newcastle are both targeting Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea are ready to sell the Senegal international after signing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro earlier this summer, moves which have left the man born in Djibonker surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
TBR Football understand Newcastle and Aston Villa like Jackson – with the Magpies believed to be ready to spend £60m to strike a deal, although Chelsea want £70m.
Bayern Munich are also keen on the 24-year-old.
A story from the Telegraph now shares which side Nicolas Jackson would ideally like to join.
Nicolas Jackson wants Newcastle
Jason Burt now claims that the Chelsea No.15 is keen to join Newcastle this summer.
Jackson would potentially have no competition for a starting berth under Eddie Howe should this move materialise, after Callum Wilson was released and Alexander Isak pushes to join Liverpool before transfer deadline day.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will bid for the £70m man if they also manage to keep the Sweden international away from Liverpool.
Jackson scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances across all competitions last season, helping Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Why Nicolas Jackson is unable to play Premier League opener regardless of the club
If Newcastle or Aston Villa manage to seal a deal with Chelsea before the weekend, neither Howe nor Unai Emery would actually be able to use the striker.
Jackson received a straight red card towards the end of last season as Chelsea suffered a 2-0 loss at Newcastle, and the suspension – which has one game remaining of the three – carries over into the 2025/26 campaign.
The forward was dismissed after elbowing Sven Botman with just 35 minutes on the clock.
Coincidentally, Newcastle actually face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
As a result, there is little rush for the Magpies or the Villans to strike an agreement with Chelsea for Jackson this week.