Ex-Newcastle United defender Stuart Pearce believes his former club should consider signing Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson before the transfer window shuts.

Speaking exclusively to Newcastle United News (courtesy of BestBettingSites.co.uk), Pearce said that the Senegalese international would be a “great replacement” for Alexander Isak if the Swedish international does leave St James’ Park:

“I can see the sense in moving for Jackson. To be fair, I think the Newcastle fans need someone that puts some sweat on the shirt. Run around for the club, and Jackson’s one of those individuals. He’ll score a certain amount of goals, but there’s more development to come from him.

“I believe if he did hit it off, he could be a great replacement. I think Newcastle are better off with a player rather than the money burning a hole in their pocket.”

“The closer we get to the window closing, the more difficult it is if they decide to take the money and try to replace him, plus everyone knows what kind of budget they have and the prices for the players they’re targeting will increase. Jackson is one of those players that we believe is available and would fill the void. So I can see that working.”

Chelsea have made Jackson available for transfer

The fact that the 24-year-old was not even in the matchday squad for the two friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan earlier this month suggests that his departure this summer is all but certain.

Jackson does have interest from other Premier League teams, as well as clubs in Italy, but a lot depends on who is willing to match his asking price, which could be as high as £80m.

Considering that Jackson was not high on the club’s list of transfer targets heading into the summer, it seems very unlikely that the Magpies would pay that much for him.

Will Isak leave Newcastle?

The Magpies are currently sticking to their stance that the 25-year-old is not for sale, despite the fact that the striker is still not training with the first-team squad.

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Isak’s situation, but if a suitable replacement can’t be found, it is expected that he will remain in the North East.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Newcastle’s pursuit of a new No.9