Unai Emery officially starts his work as Aston Villa manager today and it seems as if the Spanish manager has already identified his first transfer target ahead of the January window.

According to the Daily Mail, Villa are keen on Villarreal youngster Nicolas Jackson, who Emery promoted to the first team during his time with the Spanish club before reaping the benefits as he began to star in the first team.

Everton and Newcastle United are also credited with an interest in the winger but Villa's Emery connection could make them favourites, while he could also be signed on a pre-contract deal, as his contract with the Yellow Submarine is set to expire at the end of this season.

The 21-year-old, who is an "exciting player" in the words of Josh Bunting, already has three goals and three assists to his name in just 28 senior appearances for Villarreal so would represent an intriguing young option on the wing for Villa should he make the move to the Premier League.

Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece has already addressed the rumours about Jackson on Twitter, writing:

"A player with bags of potential. Villa have also opened an academy in Jackson's native Senegal as well. One to watch, that one."

Should he join up with Villa in January, he could prove to be a direct replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who has struggled immensely since making his stay at Villa permanent during the summer.

After a bright start under former teammate Steven Gerrard, the Brazilian quickly regressed and has failed to contribute a single goal or assist in any of his 13 appearances in all competitions this season.

The former Barcelona man is currently ranked as the 17th-best performer in Villa's squad according to WhoScored, which emphasises just how poor he has been, so the arrival of Jackson could finally see Coutinho dropped from the first team.

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As per FBRef, Jackson has the edge over Coutinho when it comes to assists, progressive passes and dribbling, which suggests that he would be a superior option in Emery's squad.

At 21, he also represents a far better long-term option for the Spanish manager as he looks to turn Villa's fortunes around. This deal would certainly be bad news for the Brazilian technician.