Rio Ferdinand Praises Man United Striker Target Who Has Stats That “Match Up” To Didier Drogba

Ex-Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand believes Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson would be a good signing for his former club.

The Senegalese international is among the targets that the Red Devils are considering as they look to bring in a new No.9, and Ferdinand has likened Jackson’s first two years at Stamford Bridge to a Chelsea icon:

“I think he’s been quite unlucky. His stats in terms of players coming in for their third season at Chelsea match up to anybody, [Didier] Drogba, all of them.”

“He’s done really well last year. He’s a nuisance. I would argue that he would be most centre-backs’ top three or four players they found hardest to play against last year. I don’t think he’s an easy day’s work for anybody.”

“Yes, he’s got a lot to do. A lot to clean up on him in terms of his finishing. He’s not clean in his all-round play, but he is a nuisance.”

How much will Jackson cost?

Earlier in the summer, Fabrizio Romano suggested a fee in the region of €60m (£52m) would be enough to secure the 24-year-old’s services, but recent reports claim the Blues are now holding out for something closer to £80m.

If United can negotiate a price closer to the former figure, it could be doable; otherwise, the Red Devils will be forced to move on to other options.

Are Man United looking at any other strikers?

Ruben Amorim’s side are believed to have made a formal enquiry for Ollie Watkins, which was knocked back. It is believed that Aston Villa want at least £60m.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has also been discussed and the Slovenian’s valuation has recently dropped to €70m (£61m) but there is likely to be competition from Newcastle.

In other news, fans react as a Man United transfer target’s asking price drops