Virgil van Dijk overlooked Newcastle United target Nicolas Jackson when listing his toughest Premier League attackers, including Alexander Isak instead. The Magpies desperately need to bolster their attacking options amid uncertainty surrounding the Swedish striker's future.

Despite Newcastle's insistence that Isak is not on the market, the forward is currently training alone and continues to push for a transfer to rivals Liverpool. Earlier this week, he dropped a bombshell message alleging 'promises had been broken' by the club - a claim swiftly rebutted by the Magpies via an official statement of their own. 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.

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. However, more options may appear and are dependent on how events unfold between now and the transfer deadline.

Several targets have been identified right now, including the £60million-rated star Jackson. 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. The veteran defender said: "[Erling] Haaland, [Alexander] Isak, [Ollie] Watkins, Harry Kane. Obviously, we speak about the last couple of years in the Premier League-there are plenty [of choices] then.

"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.

Addressing the media on Thursday, he said: "He is available, but he is not going to be part of the squad. We have two strikers, two in that position and also something can happen before the transfer window closes.

"Christo (Nkunku) is with us, but it's the same answer as Nico. The other two players are training apart looking for a solution. We'll see. If they are going to be here, they will be with us.

"If not, it means they found a solution. I think it's better if they find a solution because they are going to be more happy."