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Aston Villa eye Rafael Leão and Nicolas Jackson after poor start to season

Aston Villa are looking at Rafael Leão and Nicolas Jackson as reinforcements after a shocking start to the Premier League season saw Unai Emery’s men fall to Brighton in a 4-0 defeat.

The Villans’ squad was ravaged in pre-season, with most of their prominent names having left the club or currently on the verge of doing so.

Fringe Chelsea striker Jackson is reportedly a top target for Aston Villa, while Leão, who has expressed interest in departing AC Milan, can replace the void left by Morgan Rogers and previous stars who featured for the Birmingham-based club last season.

The attributes to succeed

Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović lauded Aston Villa’s interest in Leão, stating that he has the physical and technical aspects in his game to succeed in the Premier League.

“This wouldn’t be good news, it’d be great news for Villa fans! Rafael Leão would be an incredible signing,” he told Sky Sports.

“I have played with him. I have seen the potential, pace, power and skill.

“He will be super suited to the Premier League. His game, the talent he has and the physical attributes he has will suit the Premier League.”

Change in manager affected Leão’s game

“At Milan, he came through the ranks and really developed. He had good senior players and had consistency. Things started to change, a lot of managers started to change,” Begović continued.

“It hasn’t helped his consistency. Everyone has played him slightly differently. Look at Unai Emery and what he has done to some of the players at Aston Villa.

“Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, taking their careers to the next level.

“Rafael Leão, working with Emery and getting the opportunity to be the main player at Villa, it would be huge.”

On Jackson, Aston Villa have reportedly compiled a £65 million package to sign the Senegalese, and should Watkins’ transfer to Al Hilal go through, he’ll become the Villans’ main target.