Aston Villa could be favourites to sign Villarreal star Nicolas Jackson because of his pre-existing relationship with Unai Emery, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Villa keen on Jackson

The Villans are impressing under their new manager, winning 2-1 away to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday, but that's not to say that new signings aren't needed.

One player who has been linked with a move to Villa Park is Jackson, who is currently thriving for Villarreal, scoring two goals and setting up another two in La Liga this season.

The 21-year-old could potentially come in as a January addition, providing more firepower out wide, with his relationship with Emery strong together during their time together in Spain.

The Latest: Villa could have Jackson edge

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones admitted that Villa could have the edge over Newcastle United when it comes to signing Jackson:

"I’m not convinced that this is one that Newcastle are actively pursuing right now. In that sense, you’d probably edge that if he was to go anywhere, it would be Villa and Emery."

The Verdict: Great option for Emery

Jackson is a hugely exciting young talent who Emery knows from their mutual time at Villarreal, so NSWE snapping him up in the near future could feel like a significant piece of business for the Midlands club.

Villa supporters could even get the chance to see the youngster in full flow at the 2022 World Cup, with the 21-year-old having been included in Senegal's squad and potentially being a crucial figure if Sadio Mane is not recovered from injury.

Jackson is still young and raw, so Emery would likely know that he would be signing him as a long-term option, but perhaps the Villarreal gem already has enough quality to be deemed ready to displace the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Leon Bailey straight away.