Aston Villa have the 'edge' over Newcastle United in the race to sign Villarreal star Nicolas Jackson and Unai Emery could play a pivotal role in attempting to strike a deal at Villa Park, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Emery, who was appointed as the Midlands giants' head coach last month, will be given the opportunity to strengthen the squad he inherited when the winter window opens for business in January.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What's the latest news involving Jackson?

According to Spanish sources, via Sport Witness, Emery has instructed the Villa hierarchy to raid his former club and conclude a deal which will see Jackson head to Villa Park at the turn of the year.

The report suggests the 51-year-old, who succeeded the sacked Steven Gerrard, is keen to seal a reunion after promoting the attacker into Villarreal's first team while he was in charge at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

It is understood that Villa intend to make a formal offer after the upcoming World Cup and, despite additional interest from Barcelona, Jackson is keen to link-up with Emery once again.

But Newcastle United and Everton are also looking to lure the 21-year-old to the Premier League after following his progress in recent months.

Jackson reportedly has a £27million release clause written into his Villarreal contract, which still has just shy of four years to run.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Dean Jones said about Jackson?

Jones does not think that Newcastle will up the ante in their pursuit of Jackson in the January transfer window, handing Villa an opportunity to pounce.

The journalist believes the Senegalese star will be reunited with Emery if he opts to leave Villarreal during the early stages of 2023.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I'm not convinced that this is one that Newcastle are actively pursuing right now.

"In that sense, you'd probably edge that if he was to go anywhere, it would be Villa and Emery."

Would Jackson be a good signing for Villa?

There is no doubt that Emery, who cost £5.25million when Villa activated the release clause written into his Villarreal contract, will know how to get the best out of Jackson.

He handed the Villa transfer target 27 appearances and was rewarded with three goals and as many assists.

Jackson has also shown his versatility - having played on both wings, in attacking midfield and as a striker during the early stages of his career - and that will be a major attraction for Emery as he looks for a combination which works at Villa.

He has shown that he is capable of being a threat in continental competitions as well, having appeared in all of Villarreal's Europa Conference League group stage fixtures and grabbed the winner against Austria Vienna.

Villa may have spent more than £60million during the summer transfer window, but they should push for Jackson's signature in January.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here