Search Newcastle United are interested in signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, but may have to act quickly to secure a deal

Nicolas Jackson has been scouted as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak (Image: Getty)

Virgil van Dijk overlooked Newcastle United target Nicolas Jackson when listing his toughest Premier League attackers, including Alexander Isak instead.



With Chelsea's Jackson being considered as a potential replacement for Isak by Eddie Howe, Blues manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that the forward will be absent from the squad set to face West Ham United on Friday night's Premier League match.

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This potentially gives Newcastle the go-ahead to make a move, with the Magpies keen on securing at least one striker after the Isak saga and Callum Wilson's summer departure.

Despite attracting interest from numerous clubs due to his form - with 30 goals in 81 appearances - the Chelsea star failed to make the cut when Van Dijk named the most challenging Premier League strikers he's faced.

During a TikTok livestream with Arsenal fan channel host Cecil Jee Thomas at the PFA Awards, Van Dijk was asked about his toughest opponents in the Premier League.

Obviously, we speak about the last couple of years in the Premier League—there are plenty [of choices] then.

Van Dijk snubbed Jackson in his top strikers' list (Image: Getty)

"Everyone has a different challenge against them so I respect everyone that's playing in the Premier League, because it's the hardest league in the world."

Despite being overlooked by the Liverpool defender, Newcastle remain undeterred in their chase for Jackson as the transfer window nears its closure.

The 24-year-old striker carries a £60m price tag, but Aston Villa are also keen on snapping him up.

As the Isak saga continues to unfold behind the scenes at St James' Park, Chelsea boss Maresca is clear about Jackson's intention to depart the club this summer, following significant investment in forwards Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Jackson is reportedly ready to move on from Chelsea (Image: Getty)Trending

Addressing the media on Thursday, he said: "He is available, but he is not going to be part of the squad.

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Nicolas Jackson Virgil van Dijk Alexander Isak Newcastle United FC Chelsea FC Liverpool FC


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