Everton sporting director Kevin Thelwell is reportedly eyeing up a move for Villarreal winger Nicolas Jackson in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: World Cup breakout star?

Although he has not been capped by Senegal, Jackson received his first call-up to the national team in September, and was an unused substitute in international friendlies against Bolivia and Iran (Transfermarkt).

Senegal have been drawn in a FIFA World Cup group with hosts Qatar, Ecuador and Netherlands, and Jackson will be hoping that he is on the plane and gets his first cap for his country in the tournament.

The Latest: Everton interest

As per The Daily Mail, the Goodison Park outfit are just one of a number of clubs in the Premier League eyeing a move for Jackson in January.

They have been following his progress in recent months, but will face competition from both Newcastle United and Aston Villa for his signature, as well as FC Barcelona.

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The Verdict: One to watch

The Merseyside club will no doubt be monitoring Jackson's performances at the World Cup, should he make Senegal's squad.

For Villarreal, he has not missed a single game yet so far this season, scoring three goals and making two assists mainly from a centre-forward position (Transfermarkt).

The six-foot-one attacker is also comfortable on the lacking in the squad at the moment with the injury to Andros Townsend.

Hailed as a player with 'bags of potential' by journalist Ashley Preece, Jackson is only 21 years of age, and with his contract up in the summer, the Toffees could sign him for a bargain price in January.