'Another Rasmus Hojlund situation!' - Nicolas Jackson told to swerve Man Utd and join Brighton instead as Chelsea exit gathers pace

Chelsea have reportedly set an £80-100 million ($108m-135m) asking price for Jackson, who is attracting attention from Premier League and European sides. Manchester United are among the clubs interested, but Chelsea are under no pressure to sell despite the Senegalese striker being likely to lose his starting spot following the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

Jackson has managed 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances for Chelsea since arriving from Villarreal. However, with his role under threat, rumours of an exit have intensified with Manchester United being touted as a potential destination. However, Penant believes that the 24-year-old should be against a move to Old Trafford and insisted that he would be a better fit at a club like Brighton.

Speaking to Adventure Gamers, Pennant said: “I’m not sure if Nicolas Jackson is the man for a top team as we’ve seen during his time at Chelsea. It’s an interesting one to see where he goes if he leaves the club. He’s in the Darwin Nunez bracket for me – he gets loads of chances, but he isn’t prolific.

“If I were him, I’d look a little below that level – someone like Brighton. I think that could work because he’d do well there – they should be looking at him.

“Manchester United are linked but I’m not too sure that’s the right move for the club – it could be another Rasmus Hojlund situation. He obviously believes in himself and thinks he should be at a top team, but I can’t see him being the number one for a top six side.”

Chelsea are unlikely to let Jackson leave unless their valuation is met. Brighton are highly unlikely to show interest unless the price drops heavily, while United’s interest may cool over the next few weeks. The striker’s future will depend on both Chelsea’s squad plans and clubs' willingness to match the Blues' asking price.