Man United transfer news: Red Devils 'rule out' move for £80m-rated Premier League striker

Manchester United have reportedly ruled themselves out of the race for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a switch to the Theatre of Dreams in recent times as the Blues seem set to move in a different direction.

Enzo Maresca's men splashed out a combined £90m on Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer prior to their Club World Cup victory.

In particular, former Watford man Pedro was exceptional for Chelsea in the United States, netting in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian appears ready to battle ex-Ipswich Town forward Delap for the spot at the tip of the West Londoners' attack this term.

© Imago

Man United out of Jackson race?

According to The Athletic, Chelsea striker Jackson will not secure a move to Old Trafford before the end of the summer window.

The report claims that Manchester United have pulled out of the race for the Senegal international, who is valued at £80m by the Blues.

It is understood that the Red Devils are unwilling to fork out such an amount on a player who netted 10 goals in the Premier League last term.

As a result, Ruben Amorim's men have supposedly switched their attentions to securing the signature of Aston Villa hero Ollie Watkins.

Man United are said to be reluctant to match the £60m offered to the Villans by Arsenal for the Englishman in January, with the Red Devils hoping to seal a deal for £40m.

© Imago

Jackson's next step

Scoring 24 Premier League goals across his first two campaigns at Stamford Bridge, Jackson clearly has the potential to become a top striker in the division.

However, with the arrivals of Delap and Pedro in West London, the Senegalese forward is facing time down the pecking order.

As a result, Jackson may be best served moving away from Chelsea to another club who could provide regular minutes in 2025-26.