After a nightmarish pre-season, Newcastle United faces another major hurdle when it gets its Premier League campaign up and running at Aston Villa on Saturday.

But we’ve got some movement today, not only thanks Alexander Isak dropping a bomb about broken promises at Newcastle (so if he goes, perhaps they will go for Jackson), but also thanks to a report from The Telegraph claiming that Aston Villa are “exploring the viability of a move” for the 24-year-old striker.

Aston Villa are exploring their attacking options with growing intent, and reports suggest they have turned their attention towards Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. According to respected journalist Florian Plettenberg,

Aston Villa transfer latest as they're linked with a move for Barcelona defender Hector Fort in this summer window

The Prince of Darkness died on 22 July at the age of 76, with many Black Sabbath fans left devastated across the world

The Magpies have reportedly turned to Jackson as an alternative to Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko as they are scouring the market for a replacement for Alexander Isak, who remains intent on a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Aston Villa FC have paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at their first game of the new football season. The Black Sabbath singer played his very last show at the club’s home ground, Villa Park, on July 5, just 17 days before his death at the age of 76.

Aston Villa are eyeing Barcelona’s young right-back Héctor Fort this summer. Reports from MARCA in Spain suggested on Friday that the Villans have made contact for the player, and their intentions are clear. Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Match Review & Player Ratings:Villa Survive Red Card, Newcastle Still Searching for a Striker!

Nottingham Forest are exploring a deal to re-sign Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash. The 28-year-old is among Forest’s options as they look to strengthen the right side of defence. The club have also been pursuing a deal for Manchester City’s Rico Lewis.