The Magpies are looking to sign a forward in the coming weeks
Football content editor for Chronicle Live, Sunderland Live, Gazette Live, Leeds Live, Yorkshire Live and Hull Live. A North East native, he has been working in sports journalism since 1995. Stuart has worked on the Sunday Sun, Chronicle and the Journal since move from the Gateshead Post in 1999.
Alexander Sorloth of Atletico de Madrid
Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newcastle United are facing a race against time to find a solution to their goalscoring issues before the transfer window closes on September 1. Alexander Isak's absence from the squad was keenly felt on the opening day of the Premier League season as United drew 0-0 with Aston Villa despite a largely positive performance.
The clocking is ticking on the window, with less than two weeks remaining to get deals done before business ends until January. Newcastle face the real prospect of facing a huge season without a recognised striker available, with Isak currently out of the squad and digging his heels in over a move to Liverpool.
United are adamant he is not for sale - nor will they even consider any deal unless a bid of around £150m is received AND they are able to sign a suitable replacement.
Even if Liverpool stump up the cash before the end of August, how do you go about replacing a player of Isak's calibre? Newcastle have seen moves for Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko thwarted by their Premier League rivals, and while they have money to invest, options are increasibly thin on the ground.
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It's looking increasingly likely that if a solution is to be found, then it will come in form of some kind of stop-gap signing. However that doesn't mean they won't be of the quality United need.
It's more that the transfer blueprint of signing young players who can develop and have the best years of their career at St James' may need to parked, for now.
They've been United linked with Yoane Wissa and Ollie Watkins, hardly elder statesmen but neither at the start of their footballing journeys.
Then there have been links to Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian is younger - 25 - but not exactly a name to get fans excited, although that's not taking into account the fact Eddie Howe has a record of improving the players he works with.
If United do sell Isak then they will have considerable funds to spend in future windows - but what they need is a solution now.
Atletico Madrid's striker Alexander Sorloth shoots against Newcastle
Atletico Madrid's striker Alexander Sorloth in the Sela Cup game at Newcastle
To that end, they could do a lot worse then make a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth. The Norwegian frontman is reportedly looking to leave the Spanish giants after questioning his place in Diego Simeone's plans.
At 29, Sorloth is not one of the future, but Atletico are believed to be willing to do business for around £30m. Besiktas and Fenerbahce are said to be interested, but he wouid tick a lot of boxes shoud Newcastle express an interest.
He hit 24 goals in all competitions for Atletico last season, including 20 in 35 La Liga appearances, and made eight Champions League appearances under Simeone.
Before that he has had success at Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Trabzonspor - although question marks would remain over his Premier League predigree after an short and unsuccessful stint at Crystal Palace.
Sorloth has 24 goals for Norway to name, from 63 appearances, and was at St James' Park only a fortnight ago when United hosted Atletico in the Sela Cup.
He may not be the perfect transfer solution, but could offer Newcastle a cut-price answer to their most pressing issue.