AFC BOURNEMOUTH are looking to beat Saints to Villarreal forward and January transfer target Nicolas Jackson.

Multiple reports had suggested that St Mary’s interest in the 21-year-old Senegalese international had been advancing with a view to a permanent move this month.

Villarreal are said to value Jackson, who has made 14 appearances, scored two goals and provided two assists in La Liga this season, as high as over £20million.

Jackson, after having played at St Mary’s last summer in a pre-season friendly, has European competition goalscoring experience thanks to Villarreal’s Europa Conference League run.

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AFC Bournemouth are now working with Villarreal to create a proposal and try and take the youngster to Vitality Stadium in the final week of the window.

Daily Echo:

One source has suggested to the Daily Echo that a move to Saints now seems unlikely, with Cherries thought to be leading the chase.

South-coast rivals are now shopping in a similar market after their takeover by American billionaire Bill Foley was completed this month.

He has demonstrated an ambition to not only keep Bournemouth in the Premier League but take them to the next level, and is expected to provide the funds to make that a possibility.

Saints manager Nathan Jones has been clear in wanting to add “more potency” to his squad with Jackson’s physical profile a perfect match, despite supporters’ calls for a traditional number nine.

The Welshman admitted Saints will not knee-jerk and panic buy a forward if the right move does not become available.

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