Newcastle’s hunt for at least one new forward is gathering pace, with a late surge expected to give Eddie Howe cover while Alexander Isak continues his strike stance.

Beginning with the likeliest addition, the Magpies are accelerating talks to sign Wolves’ Jorgen Stand Larsen, viewed as a natural Callum Wilson successor — though one that will not come cheap.

A switch for Yoane Wissa once appeared close, yet Brentford have stuck to their hefty asking price and want a proper replacement first, especially after a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest sharpened relegation concerns.

Regional reports claim Newcastle are only £5m shy of Wolves’ valuation for Larsen, who is nearly four years younger than Wissa, stands tall at 6ft 4in, and netted 14 goals in the last campaign.

With Newcastle desperate for reinforcements and progress over Wissa stalled — their £35m plus £5m bid knocked back earlier this week — Larsen has emerged as the primary target.

Attention then turns to the possible second striker who could open the door for Isak’s departure.

Another option still on Newcastle’s radar, though less probable currently, is Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson. Eddie Howe has doubts — not helped by two reckless red cards in May and June — while Aston Villa are working hard to land him, testing how serious Newcastle’s pursuit really is.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano says Unai Emery has placed the 24-year-old among his “top priorities,” with the Spaniard eager for a reunion after their spell together at Villarreal.

A loan arrangement, easing PSR restrictions, has been floated, but a permanent high-fee move to Villa Park could free up Ollie Watkins for a transfer elsewhere.

If that happens, a late domino chain — Jackson to Villa, Watkins to Newcastle, and Isak to Liverpool — cannot be entirely ruled out.

Newcastle would remain cautious over Watkins’ price tag, with him turning 30 later this year, but landing him and Larsen for just above £100m may look smart business should Liverpool raise their £110m bid for Isak.