(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Wed 29 April 2026 17:00, UK

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Nickolas Jackson is emerging as a transfer target for Newcastle United despite having initial concerns about signing him from Chelsea.

The 24-year-old is set to return to Stamford Bridge this summer after spending the season on loan at Bayern Munich, but is widely expected to make a permanent move away.

Newcastle are one of a number of clubs keeping a close eye on his situation despite deciding against pursuing his signature last summer.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Magpies are now willing to take a risk on signing Jackson amid concerns about their current strikers.

Howe is determined to strengthen his attacking options and the Chelsea striker has been identified as a potential target as Newcastle accelerate their transfer plans.

Could Newcastle United make a move for Nicolas Jackson?

Prior to his move to Bayern Munich last summer, Football Insider revealed that Newcastle were plotting a move to sign Jackson, although nothing materialised.

The Magpies instead chose to pursue other options, while the Senegal international moved on, but his future is still up in the air ahead of his return to England.

Newcastle are still expected to sign a new striker this summer, with Jackson still on their radar as a long-term target, and a deal could now be done.

“Newcastle have been linked with Jackson for a while,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Very often these things come from a player’s agent putting his name around, because he knows he’s going back to Chelsea and wants to find a new club.

“Newcastle looked at doing a deal last year, but there were worrying signs about his attitude at Chelsea and that’s why they wanted to let him go.

“He burnt his bridges there in the end, despite how talented he may be, he let them down too many times and then pushed for a move away.

“If I was at Newcastle, I would look at that and it would be a concern, but with players of that talent you often find clubs are prepared to ignore that.

“Newcastle need a new striker, we know that and they know that, and if Jackson is available his qualities would tick a lot of boxes for them.

“I think they will be willing to take that risk on him and hope he’s changed or learned from his mistakes, because they are in desperate need of forwards.”

Why do Newcastle want to sign Jackson this summer?

Newcastle’s ambitions of signing Jackson come amid concerns about their current options and a feeling they could both be moved on this summer.

After snubbing the Senegal international last summer, the Magpies instead landed Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade in their attempts to replace Alexander Isak.

Fast forward almost one year, Football Insider revealed on 24 April that Newcastle are planning to sell Wissa as they have no confidence in the striker.

Woltemade could also be on the chopping block amid speculation about a return to Germany after dropping out of the starting XI under Eddie Howe.

Should both strikers be allowed to move on, the Magpies will be forced into the transfer market to replace them, with a number of targets on their radar.