Ben Jacobs has revealed that Newcastle United have been scouting Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic - but they are not currently considered as frontrunners for his signature.

The Lowdown: Striker is a top priority

Despite spending £63m on a new striker last summer in the form of Alexander Isak, it seems that Newcastle are still in need of more attacking threat in the final third, having recently gone three games without a goal across all competitions.

Their goalscoring woes haven't been helped by the serious drop-off in form from the usually reliable Callum Wilson, who has just one goal since October in the Premier League, so a new striker arriving in the summer could be a possibility.

That's why someone such as Vlahovic is being linked with a move to the Premier League, while his current side, Juventus, are looking far from their usual impressive selves domestically and in Europe.

The Latest: Vlahovic being scouted by Newcastle

Jacobs has revealed on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel that Newcastle have recently sent scouts to watch Vlahovic, who has got 10 goals to his name this season.

He said: "With Dusan Vlahovic, I think there is a very realistic possibility of a move to the Premier League. Chelsea and Manchester United are the two primary clubs that have been looking at him.

"Newcastle have sent scouts as well in the past, and Vlahovic isn't particularly happy at Juventus at this point, and because of their 15-point deduction, there's really no guarantee that he is going to have Champions League football next season."

The Verdict: Newcastle could make a statement signing

It would be quite the statement signing if Newcastle were able to tempt somebody away from Juventus who the Old Lady paid £66.6m for in January 2022 - especially while they are still a relatively unknown quantity at the top level.

Newcastle would almost certainly need to finish in the top four if they were to attract Vlahovic as they aren't proven winners yet under Eddie Howe and PIF, so having the best European football on offer could go a long way to persuading him to join.

However, it would be a huge kick in the teeth and a major lack of faith in Isak if they were to go and recruit a big-name striker in the summer, especially when the Sweden international has proved his worth when given the chance to impress, with four goals in six league starts for the Toon.