Protracted chases for the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro, and the still ongoing Alexander Isak saga, has built a narrative of failure and rejection around the Magpies’ business, as well as pushing many to question whether the project really remains on the right trajectory right now?

Newcastle United are now thought to consider Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson a “serious target” to boost their depth in the No. 9 role. The Magpies look set to miss out on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško,