An update has emerged on Southampton and their pursuit of a deal to sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal in the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell has claimed that the Saints are hopeful of securing a swoop to bring the forward to St. Mary's before the end of the month.

However, they will need to beat off competition from their south coast rivals Bournemouth to sign the 21-year-old gem, who is valued at around £18m.

Tanswell Tweeted: "#afcb are interested in signing Nicolas Jackson. No formal offer yet but thought to be able to exceed quoted €20m asking price given to #SaintsFC. Despite a bid rejected, Southampton remain hopeful in staving off south coast neighbours."

Adam Armstrong upgrade

Southampton are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and scoring goals has been an issue for Nathan Jones' side, as they have plundered just 17 in their 20 matches.

One player who has struggled badly in the final third is Saints winger Adam Armstrong. The English attacker, who can also play as a centre-forward, has produced one goal, one 'big chance' created, and one assist in 12 Premier League starts this season

Armstrong has averaged a dismal Sofascore rating of 6.58, which places him 19th in the squad and this, along with his lack of goal involvements, suggests that the club need an upgrade on him to improve their chances of avoiding relegation down to the Championship at the end of the campaign.

Jackson could come in an immediate upgrade in that position whilst also holding the potential to be a signing for the future at the age of 21, which means that the gem could be a terrific addition for now in the long-term.

The 21-year-old, who was once hailed as "exciting" by journalist Josh Bunting, has scored two goals and provided two assists, from four 'big chances' created, in eight La Liga starts for Villarreal this season - averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.72.

This comes after the Senegal international scored seven goals and produced eight assists in 27 matches for the Spanish side's B team in 2021/22.

The talented winger has proven that he can be an attacking threat at the top end of the pitch in a major European league as his statistics are far more impressive than Armstrong's, given that he has double the number of goal involvements despite the Saints man starting four more matches.

Therefore, Southampton could improve their options out wide by beating Bournemouth to the signing of the £18m magician.