Newcastle insider reveals Nicolas Jackson stance as striker search intensifies
Newcastle's search for a striker could drag on as Eddie Howe ponders over a move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
Alexander Isak is not for sale at Newcastle, and Liverpool have had a £110m bid reject for the striker leaving Howe short for options up-front.
William Osula did not impress in a friendly against Espanyol, and with the Premier League season on the horizon, Newcastle are no closer to signing a striker.
Chelsea are willing to sell Jackson, with Aston Villa and Manchester United sharing previous interest, and Newcastle are now weighing up a move for the 24-year-old.
Jackson not same calibre as Isak
Luke Edwards of The Telegraph [14 August] shared an update on Newcastle's possible move for Jackson.
Edwards claimed "Newcastle have reservations about making a move" for Jackson and that the striker is "not seen as the same calibre" as Isak.
| Jackson | Isak | |
| Apperances | 30 | 34 |
| Goals | 10 | 23 |
| Assists | 5 | 6 |
The stats certainly show that Isak is more a prolific Premier League goal scorer that Jackson, and Isak also spearheaded Newcastle's League Cup success.
Jackson meanwhile was dropped at the Club World Cup this summer, with new signing Joao Pedro now the number one choice up-front for Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.
Time running out for Howe amid striker search
Not being able to call upon Isak, who wants to leave the club, is a major blow to Howe as the 25-year-old has proven to be on the world's most ruthless finishers.
Isak is capable of threatening in-behind and aerially, and can strike from close range of from distance.
Being able to purchase a player of that calibre will be extremely difficult for Howe and the Newcastle manager would need two quality players to replace the skill set Isak possesses.
Jackson has the pace to stretch defences and be a threat on the counter-attack, but the Senegal international is more wasteful in-front of goal so Howe would not be guaranteed 15 to 20 goals a season.
With the club returning to the Champions League, Howe does need a proven goal scorer at the top level and Jackson has yet to play in Europe's premier competition.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may therefore be a greater all-round guarantee of goals, but either way Howe needs to make a quick decision on who he wants to pursue.