Report: Everton plotting January move for ‘fast, skilful’ £20m forward likened to Sadio Mane

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Everton are plotting a January move for Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson, according to TEAMtalk.

Toffees boss Frank Lampard is reportedly desperate to bolster his attacking ranks this month.

Everton did well to earn a point against Manchester City, but they remain just one point above the bottom three.

Jackson was apparently on the Blues’ radar in the summer.

Now, Everton are reportedly back in for the Senegal international, but they have competition.

As well as the Toffees, the likes of Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Southampton are said to be in pursuit of Jackson.

The 21-year-old has scored two goals and provided two assists in La Liga this season from 14 appearances.

He was also part of Senegal’s World Cup squad and made one appearance off the bench against the Netherlands.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has reported that Jackson is likely to command a fee of over £20million.

Jackson has earned comparisons with compatriot Sadio Mane as well as Brazil ace Neymar.

The Birmingham Mail wrote that he is ‘a fast, skilful forward with a penchant for goal scoring.

‘He stands at 6ft 1in so the physicality of the Premier League wouldn’t be a problem.’

Not right for Everton at this moment in time – TBR View

While Jackson seems like a decent prospect, £20m for a young, relatively unproven player with no Premier League experience seems like a big gamble for a relegation-battling club.

In addition, Jackson’s goal contribution tally in Villarreal’s first-team isn’t particularly great. He has three goals and three assists from 32 outings.

Everton would probably be better off looking at someone who knows the English top flight well and has some experience of relegation scrapping.