Aston Villa are reportedly not in negotiations with Juventus for Jonathan David, with Nicolas Jackson instead emerging as Unai Emery’s preferred striker target.
Villa have been linked strongly with David over recent days after reports in Italy claimed the Canada international’s representatives had spoken to the club about a possible move.
However, Italian journalist Orazio Accomando is now reported to have played down suggestions that negotiations are taking place between Villa and Juventus.
Jonathan David Aston Villa transfer takes fresh twist
The latest information adds an important distinction to the developing transfer picture.
ReadAstonVilla reported on Tuesday that Jonathan David’s representatives had held talks with Aston Villa, with Juventus reportedly prepared to consider a sale.
That does not necessarily mean formal negotiations between the clubs had begun.
According to Inside Futbol’s report carrying Accomando’s update, Villa are currently not discussing a deal directly with Juventus and their attention remains focused elsewhere.
That alternative is Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.
Emery has admired the Senegal international throughout the summer and already knows him well from their time together at Villarreal.
Villa have previously discussed Jackson with Chelsea, while the 25-year-old remains available for the right deal despite returning to Stamford Bridge following his loan spell at Bayern Munich.
The situation is complicated by Villa already having Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea, meaning another straightforward Premier League loan between the clubs is not possible.
Jackson would therefore require a different transfer structure if Villa decide to accelerate their pursuit.
David could still remain on Villa’s list of attacking options, particularly after previous contact with his representatives.
For now, though, the latest report suggests a deal with Juventus is not as advanced as first appeared, with Jackson remaining the striker Emery is most determined to pursue.
