Newcastle United are weighing up options to replace Alexander Isak, though the market offers very few realistic targets.

As the transfer window edges toward closure, Isak appears set to remain at St James’ Park despite releasing a statement accusing the club of breaking promises.

However, one assurance Newcastle never gave the Swede was that he could depart freely. Any exit would depend on receiving an acceptable bid and securing a capable successor.

That successor still seems out of reach. Newcastle have assessed Nicolas Jackson but continue to question whether he truly fits their style of play.

Those doubts are fair, yet former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock cannot see why another Premier League forward hasn’t entered Eddie Howe’s thinking.

Speaking on the Sports Agents podcast, Warnock suggested that Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta could prove to be an excellent option for Newcastle.

“Newcastle are in a position now where if they lose Isak, why wouldn’t you turn to Mateta?” he asked.

“He’s a player barely discussed. When you’ve got wingers delivering crosses into the box, surely he makes sense…”

Appearing alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, Warnock debated whether Nicolas Jackson really represents a viable signing for the Magpies.

He added: “The thing with Mateta is that his goal record is solid. He’s been effective and links play well. Jackson, meanwhile, frustrates with constant offsides. Is he really worth £70m? I don’t think so.”

Whichever striker Newcastle eventually land will know they were not the top choice. The club pushed hard for Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, only to see them join Liverpool and Manchester United.

That reality may cause issues, but Warnock argued that someone like Nicolas Jackson would quickly move past it if he hit the ground running in black and white.

“If Jackson joins Newcastle, bags five goals in his first 10 games, and wins over supporters, all that talk about being third or fourth choice will be forgotten instantly,” he said.

“At that point, he’s confident and feeling like the move was the right one.”

Warnock is likely correct about Jackson, yet it remains improbable that Newcastle will test the theory.

For Newcastle, an Isak replacement must be able to make an impact in the Champions League. Taking a gamble on a player such as Jackson seems too risky, which is why the club may hold off.