Manchester United 'monitoring' Nicolas Jackson as 'talks held' over Pervis Estupinan deal | OneFootball

Chelsea forward a surprise new name on Old Trafford transfer radar, along with former Villarreal team-mate

Manchester United are said to be monitoring Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, while reports claim they have also entered talks with Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan.

United have been locked in talks for weeks over Bryan Mbeumo, having so far seen two bids for his services rejected by Brentford. They also missed out to Chelsea on a £30m deal for Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

It was reported earlier this week that Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso was a key new target for United, who continue to be linked with the likes of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

However, The Times now report that United are monitoring Jackson as they seek further additions to their attack, with Rasmus Hojlund - who has been linked with a return to Serie A - and Joshua Zirkzee both struggling badly for goals last term and Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony all expected to leave.

Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge has quickly become subject to question despite his previous status as their clear first-choice No9, with Delap and fellow new arrival Joao Pedro having both impressed during their victorious Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

Jackson, meanwhile, struggled during the tournament and was sent off again in the group stage defeat by Flamengo to follow his costly dismissal at Newcastle towards the end of last season.

Aston Villa and AC Milan are also reported to be watching Jackson, who has scored 30 goals in 81 total appearances since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in a £32m deal in July 2023 - including 13 in 37 across all competitions last season.

Jackson is not the only new name on Manchester United’s transfer radar, with talkSPORT claiming that they have also approached the camp of Ecuador left-back Estupinan, a former team-mate of Jackson’s at Villarreal who has been at Brighton since 2022.

The Seagulls are said to be open to selling the 27-year-old, having already signed Belgium defender Maxim de Cuyper from Club Brugge in a £17.5m deal earlier this month. Milan are also believed to want Estupinan.

United spent £25m to make Patrick Dorgu their first signing under Amorim in January, though appear to be seeking additional support and competition for the Danish international at left-back with Diogo Dalot more at home on the right, Luke Shaw used more in the back three when fit and Tyrell Malacia not featuring in Amorim’s plans for the future.

Like Dalot, the versatile Noussair Mazraoui can also play on both sides, while United also now have Leon in addition to fellow young left-back Harry Amass.