Xabi Alonso makes Nicolas Jackson transfer decision

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is prepared to assess Nicolas Jackson in pre-season training before making a final decision regarding his future.

Jackson spent the recent campaign on loan with Bayern Munich, where he scored 10 goals. The German champions had the option to buy him, but decided against exercising the clause.

The 24-year-old will now report with Senegal for the World Cup in North America this summer. On his return to the Blues, he will be closely assessed in training and possible friendly games.

Alonso will then decide whether to keep or offload the former Villarreal man. There will be no shortage of offers for the striker with Aston Villa and Newcastle United among his main suitors.

The Magpies have just sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and could spend most of the fee on a new striker. Villa are also keen on landing a quality competitor to Ollie Watkins upfront, with Tammy Abraham having struggled to make his mark since his winter move from Besiktas.