Although they impressed in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, Newcastle lacked bite without a natural centre-forward, failing to turn control into goals in a frustrating 0-0 draw.

Isak’s public dispute with the club has only intensified the urgency. The Swede has stated firmly he won’t return to Howe’s side, regardless of whether a move goes through.

His absence has unsettled the frontline, leaving Newcastle with plenty of effort out wide but little presence or authority in the central striking role.

Liverpool’s pursuit appears to have unsettled Isak beyond repair, and his Instagram message about broken promises suggested a player determined to move on from St James’ Park.

Two approaches for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa have been rejected already. Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth remain under discussion, though both would be difficult to sign.

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With the window closing fast, Newcastle’s choices are narrowing – and Juventus have put forward a centre-forward who could change their attack entirely.

The Italian giants are facing financial pressure, with the Serbian striker’s €12m yearly wages proving restrictive as they seek to overhaul their squad.

Although he has long-term ambitions of playing in England, Newcastle must persuade him this is the right opportunity. Champions League football and the St James’ Park atmosphere could be decisive factors.

For Howe, who has seen his team generate chances without a finisher to take them, Vlahović offers precisely the kind of number nine Newcastle have lacked.

The attraction of signing Vlahović is not only his individual quality but also the partnerships he could form with Newcastle’s flying wide men.

This window has already seen Anthony Elanga arrive from Nottingham Forest, linking with Anthony Gordon to provide Howe two rapid, dynamic threats down either side.

With a forward like Vlahović attacking their service, Newcastle would finally possess a lethal finisher capable of exploiting the supply line from wide areas.

On the opposite wing, Gordon brings direct running and sharp delivery into advanced positions, adding balance to the forward line.

Bref stats show he ranks in the 85th percentile for passes into the box per 90 (2.03) and the 83rd percentile for crosses per 90 (4.84) compared to similar players.

His tendency to cut infield and thread balls into channels would complement Vlahović’s varied movement, whether the Serbian drops short or bursts beyond defenders.

Vlahović himself could deliver the cutting edge that Newcastle so clearly lacked against Aston Villa.

Dubbed a “monster” by Carlo Garganese and called a “better and more complete striker than Haaland” by Serbian FA chief Nenad Bjekovic, he hit ten league goals last season, alongside four assists, guiding Juventus back to the top four and the Champions League.

He also struck twice in three Club World Cup matches, reinforcing his ability to perform on elite occasions.

The tactical fit looks encouraging. Vlahović flourishes with high-volume creators, and Newcastle’s wingers are ideally suited to that need.

His aerial strength would also hand Howe an extra weapon from dead-ball situations, an area the coach has emphasised repeatedly.

Elanga’s and Gordon’s regular supply could therefore give Newcastle an additional layer of attacking potency.

Yet complications remain. Newcastle’s recruitment has been restrained since the initial Saudi-backed splurge, and the financial demands of Vlahović’s wages could push FFP boundaries.

Juventus’ openness to selling does not guarantee Newcastle can afford him, particularly after heavy spending on Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale.

Newcastle cannot allow the Isak dispute to derail their progress, and a proven number nine is vital for their Champions League adventure.

Vlahović, with his mix of power, finishing, and top-level experience, appears the perfect solution on paper.

Whether Newcastle can convince him to leave Turin for Tyneside will decide if this deal is remembered as a bold success – or a missed opportunity.