Aston Villa have lodged a €70 million offer to prise Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson away from Chelsea, according to a report by Foot Mercato via Yahoo Sports published on Tuesday.

Chelsea are said to be close to reaching an agreement with the Birmingham club over a transfer fee, though Jackson has yet to agree personal terms with Aston Villa. The forward joined Chelsea from Villarreal three years ago and remains contracted to the West London side on a long-term deal.

Jackson's loan spell at Bayern Munich

Last season, Jackson spent the campaign on loan at FC Bayern Munich, contributing 11 goals and four assists across 34 appearances. Despite that stint, manager Xabi Alonso does not regard the Senegal international as part of his plans for the coming season.

In total, Jackson has scored 30 goals and made 81 appearances for Chelsea since his arrival from Villarreal.

Mateta pursuit hits a wall

Foot Mercato also reports that Aston Villa's pursuit of a second attacking reinforcement has stalled. Crystal Palace rejected a €22 million offer from Villa for France international centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Manager Unai Emery faces a busy final stretch of the summer transfer window after the departures of Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, and Morgan Rogers. Villa's difficult summer was underlined further by a 4-0 defeat to Brighton in their Premier League season opener.