Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring the opening goal(Image: PA)
Newcastle United's next move in the transfer market revolves heavily around one man and one man only: Alexander Isak.
In the coming days we will know more about where the player's head is at. After missing the Magpies' overseas jaunt to the Far East, Isak is now set to face Eddie Howe as the boss prepares his senior stars for the double header at St James' Park this weekend.
[The Newcastle boss took the bold decision to keep Isak away from a family event at the club's training ground on Wednesday](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alexander-isak-newcastle-united-training-32210922), raising more questions over whether the 25-year-old will be welcomed back into the fold. Or has his head fully been turned to the point of no return on Tyneside?
Should that be the case, Newcastle will be forced back to the transfer drawing board after missing out on Benjamin Sesko. Yoane Wissa remains a key target but United would need another attacking outlet should Isak depart.
Here, Chronicle Live assesses four attacking options who have been on the radar of St James' Park chiefs in recent weeks.
Nicolas Jackson is a name that continues to pop up this summer as Chelsea look to offload the forward following a rather hefty spending spree at Stamford Bridge.
At 24, Jackson offers an exciting profile. He is a tall, robust striker who can hold up the ball effectively, combined with impressive agility and an impressive turn of foot. There is a belief Howe could take his game to the next level.
Jackson has 34 goal involvements in 65 Premier League appearances but is seen from the outside as a wasteful finisher. Temperament questions would also be brought up should United progress with a move for the Senegalese star.
Chelsea's asking price, however, would appear to be the sticking point. Signed for around £30m in 2023, the Blues want more than double their initial fee upon selling Jackson this summer.
That could be a big red flag for Newcastle - or any other suitor - this summer.
Aston Villa have placed a similarly hefty price tag on the head of Ollie Watkins this summer. The only difference being the England forward is five years older than Jackson.
Arsenal were quoted an eye-watering sum of money when pursuing the 29-year-old back in January, while reports this time around suggest the Midlands outfit are open to selling between £40m and £50m.
Watkins, at that price, carries much fewer risks than Jackson - and a lot of other targets Newcastle have pursued this summer.
As an established Premier League forward, he has proven his ability to perform consistently against the best defenders in England. His pace, relentless work rate, and versatility make him an attractive option should he depart Villa Park this summer.
Newcastle, admittedly, have been shopping for younger talent this summer - namely Sesko, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap - but have also pursued Wissa, 28, in recent weeks.
No player scored more goals from the bench than Rodrigo Muniz (6) last season. That stat alone points to the fact Fulham's exciting striker may be better suited as an Isak backup, rather than a potential immediate replacement.
Again, there is a gem waiting to be unearthed in Muniz. The Brazilian's style is characterised by his predatory finishing and hunger to score goals. Off the ball, Muniz averaged more interceptions than 97% of Premier League forwards last season.
Financially, the 24-year-old would likely be a more affordable option, which fits Newcastle’s model of combining marquee signings with smart investments in emerging talents.
Leeds United have also been heavily linked, while Newcastle are only said to have made unofficial and informal approaches over a potential swoop this summer.
Goncalo Ramos is perhaps a name only really being touted due to circumstance. Newcastle have just been knocked back by Sesko, while Paris Saint-Germain are said to be open to allowing Ramos to depart.
Are we just putting 2+2 together and getting 5 in believing the Portuguese forward is the next top ticket name on the shortlist? Possibly.
But Newcastle have been linked with Ramos in the past and a fee of £55m looks reasonable for a 24-year-old who has impressed both in Portugal and France.
In a PSG side that won the Champions League in impressive fashion last term, Ramos featured a total of 46 times, netting 19 goals, showcasing his knack for finding the net in various ways.
Should Newcastle's search for a main striker rumble on towards the end of the window, noise will naturally grow from sections of the fanbase regarding a swoop for Ramos being the smart play for Howe and his recruitment team.