Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson sends Sadio Mane message after transfer advice from Liverpool icon

Nicolas Jackson has been soaking up the chance to reconnect with Sadio Mane during the international break.

The Chelsea forward, who's made a splash in the Premier League this season, joined forces with the Liverpool icon for a pair of pivotal Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

They're set to make an impact as Senegal squares off against Malawi in back-to-back matches on Friday and Tuesday. Despite drawing with Burkina Faso and bagging a win against Burundi last September, the 2021 AFCON winners find themselves second in Group L.

Reveling in the reunion, Jackson shared snaps with Mane from the Senegal camp on his Instagram story, using a red heart emoji and a crown emoji to express his feelings. Reflecting on his switch from Villarreal to Chelsea last year, Jackson recalled seeking Mane's advice before heading to Stamford Bridge.

"I spoke to Sadio Mane about him (Mauricio Pochettino) and he spoke very highly of him, he said amazing things about him," Jackson recounted to Chelsea's official site when he was presented.

"Sadio told me the manager is going to help me a lot to improve and do well if I listen to what he has to tell me, so that is exactly what I'm going to do.

"I watched English football when I was in Africa and now I am here, so it's a good feeling for me. I grew up watching the Premier League because for me it is the best league in the world, so I love the Premier League and I know a lot about it and Chelsea."

Jackson will likely line up against Liverpool after the international break as Chelsea bids to keep its decent form going under Enzo Maresca. The Blues sit fourth, four points behind Liverpool, having not lost since the opening day against Manchester City.