Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has edged Nicolas Jackson nearer to a Stamford Bridge departure following reports of interest from Aston Villa.

The Blues boss confirmed the forward will not feature in his squad for Friday night’s Premier League trip to West Ham, after also excluding the Senegal international from his opening-day selection.

While Maresca insists he has “no idea” whether a transfer is imminent, he admitted “something could happen” before the summer window shuts on September 1.

Villa have been strongly linked with Jackson, who previously worked under Unai Emery at Villarreal. Speaking in Thursday’s press conference, Maresca explained: “He (Jackson) is fit, but he will not be part of the squad for West Ham.

“We already have two strikers in that position and we also know things can change before the transfer deadline. No idea (if he’s close to leaving). My focus is on the sessions and preparing for the game. I really don’t know.”