Manchester United have reportedly initiated talks with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson's representatives over a potential blockbuster transfer. However, the Red Devils face a significant hurdle, as Chelsea have placed a staggering £100 million price tag on the 24-year-old Senegalese forward.
According to BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella, United have contacted Jackson's agent, Ali Barat, to explore the possibility of a deal. However, the club must first sell several underperforming players to fund the move and stay within the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
United's minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is reportedly leading the charge to offload surplus talent. Among those on the chopping block are members of the so-called 'Bomb Squad,' a group of players who have been training separately from the main squad at Carrington. Manager Ruben Amorim has identified these players as expendable, but finding suitors has proven challenging.
In a potential twist, Chelsea are said to retain an interest in United's Alejandro Garnacho, who is valued at £70 million. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is reportedly nearing a loan move to Barcelona, with the Spanish giants agreeing to cover his £325,000-a-week wages. Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest in Jadon Sancho, as Chelsea backed out of a deal for the winger earlier this summer.
Jackson, who scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances last season, faces stiff competition at Chelsea following the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Despite this, his Premier League record of 15 goal contributions in 30 games has caught the attention of several top clubs, including AC Milan.
United's pursuit of a new striker comes amid ongoing struggles with their current attacking options. Rasmus Hojlund, who missed several chances in a recent pre-season draw against Leeds, has yet to prove himself as the solution to the team's scoring woes. The club has already secured Matheus Cunha and is set to complete a £71 million deal for Bryan Mbeumo, but Jackson remains a top target.
As the transfer window heats up, United's ability to offload players and meet financial regulations will be crucial in their bid to land Jackson and bolster their attacking lineup.
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