BLUES NEED TOP WHACKO FOR JACKO

Chelsea want £60m Nic cash to fund big-money bids for Simons & Garnacho

- BY JOHN CROSS Chief Football Writer X@johncrossmirror

NICOLAS JACKSON is being offered for £60million as Chelsea prepare to carry on spending.

The Chelsea striker wants guarantees of regular first-team football and the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been sounded out in summer.

While the door has been closed on some escape routes, Chelsea are ready to do business on the Senegal striker if he pushes to leave amid increased competition from Joao Pedro (right) and former Ipswich star Liam Delap.

Newcastle and Villa remain in the hunt, with Jackson likely to go before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

His departure will give Chelsea increased spending power as they look to bring in RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons.

They also remain keen on Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho even if they are at least £10m apart on valuation.